Trooping the Colour 2018: How did Meghan’s first Trooping the Colour compare to Kate's?
MEGHAN Markle appeared at her first Trooping the Colour last weekend, another royal milestone she can tick off the list, but how does her appearance compare to Kate’s first?
Trooping the Colour: Meghan and Kate curtsy for Queen in 2018
During Kate’s first ceremony she wore a bespoke Alexander McQueen dress at the 2011 Trooping the Colour.
Whereas, Meghan opted for an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress and Philip Treacy hat as she stepped out with her husband.
The dress featured a Bardot neckline and button detailing down the front and she wore a matching hat by the royal family favourite milliner.
The annual event marks the Queen’s official birthday and involved a parade of soldiers, horses and musicians from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guard’s parade in London.
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Meghan rode alongside Prince Harry, her husband in a horse-drawn carriage, as the Duke of Sussex is not yet a Colonel of a household division, however Jess Ilse told Express.co.uk this could change based on military appointments.
Prince Harry appeared to whisper to Meghan as they rode in the procession to point things out in the crowd and procession.
Whereas during Kate’s Trooping the Colour, she was not in a carriage with Prince William and instead rode with Prince Andrew, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry, as her husband appeared on horseback.
Prince William was appointed a Colonel of the Irish Guards shortly before his wedding day in February.
This was the first time since the Royal Wedding where the Duchess of Sussex had joined the royal family in an official capacity.
Ms Ilse said: “They have a good strong support system with their respective husbands so William and Harry are both really good at making their wives feel comfortable in any situation and explaining what is expected.
“It was a great chance for Meghan to debut with the royal family at a big event.”
Before Meghan made her debut appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, she rode in a carriage with Prince Harry and the Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Kent.
She stood next to Prince Harry and slightly behind the Duchess of Cambridge on the balcony, this was in accordance to royal protocol, experts have said.
The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge took their place at the front and centre of the balcony and Prince Harry could be seen whispering to Meghan who reportedly said she was “nervous”.
Prince Harry reassured her and provided whispered guidance on when to look up at the sky as the planes passed overhead and when to curtesy to the Queen.
Despite this, both duchesses appeared to seem assured considering it was such a big state occasion and Kate looked at ease during the procession, as did Meghan who looked calm during the momentous occasion and was seen chatting and laughing with Prince Charles and Camilla.
