The newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned from their honeymoon just in time for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony and parade in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday over the weekend. Looking sun-kissed and well-rested, Meghan Markle stunned in an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera blush pink dress and Phillip Treacy fascinator. And while her frock may have pushed some royal rules with its décolleté-baring design, her bouncy blowout seemed to take a page from the beauty playbook of her sister-in-law and fellow duchess Kate Middleton.
Throughout her engagement to Prince Harry, the former Suits actress became known for her go-to center-parted, deconstructed chignon. The messy bun style fastened her back-grazing raved-hued locks at the nape of her neck, and a few face-framing flyaways gave the undone style a decidedly modern feel. Paired with her minimal makeup look (which almost always included a peek at her freckles and a peachy gloss), Meg redefined the royal updo.
After rocking her signature ‘do at the royal wedding on May 19, the Duchess stepped out for her first royal appearance (a garden party at Buckingham Palace celebrating Prince Charles’ 70th birthday) on Tuesday, May 22, wearing a much more formal off-center bun that perfectly complemented her sophisticated silk-crepe pencil dress by British label Goat and Philip Treacy topper. It was the kind of sleek style we’ve seen the Duchess of Cambridge pair with her extensive headpiece collection for years.
Flash forward to Saturday, June 9, and Meghan once again channeled Kate. Forgoing an updo in favor of loose locks, the newlywed sported glossy waves that voluminously fell around her face. The bouncy blowout, which is equal parts pretty and polished, has long been favored by Kate, and she wears it often regardless of her hair length or cut.
While time will tell how Meghan adapts her cool-girl style to royal life (she embarks on her first solo tour with the Queen later this week!), it’s clear she’s been on the road to incorporating a more formal flair into her first few post-wedding appearances while maintaining her stylish roots.
