Meghan Markle conforms to royal dress code for first Ascot appearance

The Duchess made her first appearance at Ascot today [Photo: Getty]
The Duchess made her first appearance at Ascot today [Photo: Getty]

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have finally made their Royal Ascot debut.

Earlier this afternoon, the newlyweds travelled to the prestigious racecourse in the third carriage alongside the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

The Duchess of Sussex accessorised her racecourse aesthetic with the same Givenchy belt she donned on her debut engagement with the Queen in Cheshire [Photo: Getty]
The Duchess of Sussex accessorised her racecourse aesthetic with the same Givenchy belt she donned on her debut engagement with the Queen in Cheshire [Photo: Getty]

For the momentous occasion, Meghan demonstrated her sartorial prowess once more in a button-up Givenchy shirt dress.

It’s the third time in which the former ‘Suits’ star has looked to the luxury label for a high-profile public engagement.

The 36-year-old first wore a formal look by the fashion house for her May 19 nuptials before returning to the brand once more for her debut engagement alongside Queen Elizabeth II in Cheshire.

The former actress accessorised today’s race day look with a sheer monochrome hat by Philip Treacy and a £1,390 satin Givenchy clutch. For a touch of Markle sparkle, the newly-crowned duchess also wore a pair of £1,135 petal-shaped earrings by Birks.

Prince Harry on the other hand, donned a traditional morning suit complete with a navy waistcoat and cobalt-hued tie. In keeping with the strict dress code, he finished the look with a seriously dapper top hat.

Meghan’s outfit must have cost a pretty penny. An average Givenchy dress rings in at around £2,000, so a bespoke number must cost at least double.

Add on the bag, hat, heels and belt, and we estimate a price tag of around £10,000 for the entire outfit.

Ascot
At Royal Ascot 2017, the Duchess of Cambridge donned a victoriana-inspired lace dress by go-to label, Alexander McQueen [Photo: Getty]

The Duchess of Cambridge is noticeably absent from this year’s event, as she is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her third child, Prince Louis, on 23rd April.

In comparison to sister-in-law Meghan – who made her debut today just one month after the royal wedding – the 36-year-old didn’t attend the Royal Ascot until 2016.

According to multiple reports, Her Majesty has extended an invitation to her granddaughter-in-law every year but Kate Middleton decided not to make her debut until five years after she wed Prince William.

According to the Royal Ascot programme, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will present the winning trophy for the 4.20pm St James’ Palace stakes.

Stay tuned.

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