How Meghan Markle’s Ensemble Broke Royal Protocol on Her First Trooping the Colour

While Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex has been to only two Trooping the Colour ceremonies, people look to those two times so much for fashion inspiration. Her 2018 and 2019 looks couldn’t be more different: different designers, silhouettes, and even color palettes. While both seemingly abided by all the royal rules, Meghan’s first-ever Trooping the Colour look actually caused quite a stir since it broke a royal fashion protocol.

In case you need a refresher, Meghan donned a pastel pink Carolina Herrera ensemble, which included the iconic asymmetric silhouette. However, she broke a major royal protocol: no off-the-shoulder looks at major royal events.

You can see the photos below:

As you can see, Meghan looked absolutely radiant on that day and nailed the unofficial pastel-colored dress code. However, this royal protocol rule-breaking shocked many.

Bethan Holt even told The Telegraph that Meghan’s look “will be compiled on her own terms. Hers is a 21st-century take on elegance that looks as pristine as is expected in her new royal role, but which also pushes some of the unspoken rules of the regal dress code.”

Now, the British royal family has a lot of dress code rules: no off-the-shoulder looks, you can’t show your knees, nail polish has to be natural looking, wearing clutches in certain hands, and more, per Cosmopolitan. Now, obviously, Meghan isn’t the first to break the off-the-shoulder rule. Back on July 19, 2017, when she donned an off-the-shoulder red gown from Alexander McQueen at The Queen’s Birthday Party, and Diana donned this trend numerous times as a royal.

Meghan then arrived at 2019 Trooping the Colour; she donned a Dakr navy ensemble from Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy, along with a fascinator by Noel Stewart, mere months after welcoming Baby Archie, per What Meghan Wore.

While Meghan hasn’t been to a Trooping the Colour since, fans are still holding out hope.

Before you go, click here to see the 100 best photos of the royal family from the past 20 years.