

Meghan Markle—a.k.a the Duchess of Sussex—has officially attended her first solo event with the Queen. And although joining the matriarch for a public appearance is a part of royal protocol, Meghan's day comes less than a month after she tied the knot with Prince Harry.
For reference, Kate Middleton didn't make her first official outing with the Queen until almost a year after her wedding in 2011—the Duchess of Cambridge tagged along for a day of appearances during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee tour (a celebration of her 60-year-reign) on March 8, 2012. So, how exactly did Kate and Meghan's solo debuts compare?
Unlike Meghan, who opted for a nude hue Givenchy dress with a layered cape, Kate sat alongside the Queen in a blue, peplum suit by L.K. Bennet and a black fascinator by James Lock. Suffice it to say, both looks were a lot more low-key than the Queen's vibrant-as-heck dress suits.
The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge watched a dance performance in Leicester's De Montfort Square, later followed by a fashion show at De Montfort University. The day was topped off with a visit to Leicester Cathedral, where the two held bouquets of flowers and smiled at each other.
Meanwhile, Meghan and the Queen opened the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and Catalyst Science Discovery Centre museum in Cheshire and will later travel to Chester, England about a half hour away to open the Storyhouse Theater. It's safe to say it's a lot more low-key than the Queen and Kate's day together.
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
-
Kacey Musgraves' Beehive Was the Perfect Look for Graceland
It's clearly inspired by Priscilla Presley.
By Sophia Vilensky
-
Charles Melton's Career Is Exploding—But His Loving Family Keeps Him Grounded
Learn more about the 'May December' star's military brat childhood and romantic history.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Ignore Questions About Controversial Royal Book, Hold Hands on the Red Carpet
What a night!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn