Imitation is the greatest form of flattery! All the times Meghan Markle took a leaf out of Kate Middleton's style handbook
From similar cuts and necklines to a fondness for the same designers, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are often tapping into each other’s style.
Before she married Prince Harry, Suits star Meghan was used to attending red carpet events and her wardrobe was packed with glamorous, figure-fitting pieces.
Of course, joining the Royal Family was a catalyst for change for Meghan. While still maintaining her chic style, more eyes than ever were her wardrobe which had to deliver the polish of a Duchess while still being suitable for every type of appearance, whether that was meeting foreign dignitaries or cooking with Grenfell victims.
And so who better to turn to for a little inspiration than her sister-in-law, Kate?
While Meghan and Kate have different stylists to plan their outfits - Meghan famously working with her friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney who is based in Toronto and Kate who has worked with Natasha Archer since 2007 - the similarities are often apparent.
From the very start, Meghan and Mulroney knew that the Kate comparisons would be inevitable and so they tread carefully in the beginning to create a unique wardrobe for Meghan, often taking some nods from Kate who has rarely put a foot wrong in the royal style stakes.
When she moved to London, Meghan was quick to embrace some of the same British brands adored by Kate including Burberry, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, Stella McCartney and Mulberry. For her first official appearance after her marriage at the Queen’s Buckingham Palace Garden Party, Meghan chose a demure dress by Goat - another label favoured by Kate.
But some of the differences between Kate and Meghan can be seen in the shades they choose. For Meghan, her palette is often darker and full of more muted tones whereas Kate opts for brighter, bolder prints and pastels.
Like Kate, Meghan too became a champion of "diplomatic dressing" on royal tours: consciously choosing to wear designers by the hosting country. On her first official tour as a royal to Australia, she chose to wear a multitude of Australian designers including Martin Grant, Dion Lee, and Karen Gee. Meghan, like Kate, understands the power of fashion without it needing to be too trend-focused.
Now Meghan and Harry have stepped away from royal life, her wardrobe may see yet another transformation away from palace protocol.
Until we get a proper glimpse, here our some of our favourite times Meghan and Kate dressed similarly over the years...
Getty ImagesCheckmate
Some mutual affection for tartan. Kate Middleton wore this Alexander McQueen coat on a visit to St. Andrew's in 2012 and Meghan Markle channelled the stripes vibe during her first official visit to Scotland in 2018 wearing a Burberry coat.
Getty ImagesGoing for cream
Kate wrapped up in a cream Max Mara Studio coat during a visit to Portsmouth in 2015 and Meghan chose the same shade in this coat from The Label during her and Prince Harry's engagement photocall in 2017.
Getty ImagesAn eye for emerald
Kate Middleton chose an emerald green Catherine Walker dress during the first day of Sweden Tour in January 2018. Meghan Markle chose the same shade in a dress by Parosh for the WellChild Awards in 2019.
Getty ImagesBring on the burgundy
Kate worked this maroon coat by Dolce & Gabbana in Norway in 2018 while Meghan made a appearance later in the year at the Hubb Community Kitchen in a burgundy Club Monaco coat and shift dress.
Getty ImagesLadies' in red
In 2016, Kate and Meghan both opted for a scarlet red. Kate chose the shade in an asymmetrical Preen gown during a royal visit to Victoria, while just a few months prior, Meghan wore this Jill Stuart dress on the Today show.
