ROYALS

Meghan Markle opts not to wear a name tag at Royal Ascot

And why Kate Middleton always did.

Meghan Markle made her first official Royal Ascot appearance on Tuesday, and her outfit has raised eyebrows. 

The 36-year-old opted for a white shirt dress by Givenchy and added black and white accessories to compliment the look. 

But, it was a lack of something that caught the attention of royal fans. 

Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Royal Ascot (Credit: Getty)

The Royal Ascot has a very strict dress code – and includes attendees donning a purple name tag. 

Every year Kate Middleton has attended, her purple name tag has always appeared pinned to the left side of her chest. 

Kate Middleton donning a purple name tag at the Royal Ascot
Kate Middleton donning a purple name tag at the Royal Ascot (Credit: Getty)

However, ever the royal rule breaker, Meghan opted not to wear one but instead pinned it to her handbag. 

The reason the Duchess of Sussex had her tag in her hand instead of being pinned to her dress was due to the delicate material, Harper’s Bazaar reports.

Royal historian Marlene Koenig told the publication: ‘Wearing pins has nothing to do with protocol.’

Meghan Markle chose to place her name tag on her handbag
Meghan Markle chose to place her name tag on her handbag (Credit: Getty)

‘Protocol is for official, diplomatic, state events, [including] where you sit, when you enter, etc.’ Koenig added. ‘Perhaps [Meghan] did not want to ruin that nice Givenchy dress with a pin hole,’ she added.

The 36-year-old royals dress was made of a light fabric, and a pin would have left a noticeable mark. 

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