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  2. Royals

Why Kate and Meghan can't wear diamonds during the day

Both duchesses have to abide by strict rules - by Tiffany Herbrik
  • 06 Sep 2018

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex may be living the royal life, but living such a life comes with a intense list of etiquette rules that Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have to attentively navigate each morning before stepping out as working royals. 

Though the list is complex, the women have a "team of aides" to assist them in dressing appropriately for the event they're attending, according to royal expert Myka Meier.

 

Speaking to news.com.au, Meier ran through what was deemed appropriate for the royals.

Pantyhose are a must and open-toe shoes are unacceptable for day time events. Another strict daytime rule is that apart from marital or religious jewellery, diamonds are unaccepted for a royal while working. 

"Other jewels are worn pre-6pm," Meier explained.

"Before 6pm, you'll see metallics, gemstones, pearls, sapphires. At night, you'll see diamonds come out,"

The reasoning behind this rule is that it ensures the royals do not come across as "flashy in [their] appearance."

kate middleton

Kate Middleton dons gemstone earrings for an event

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meghan markle

Meghan Markle opts for a set of pearl earrings.

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When it comes to tiaras, Meghan has only worn one at her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Meanwhile, Kate has donned a tiara a number of times for state occasions since her wedding to Prince William in April 2011.

meghan markle

Meghan has only worn a tiara once

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kate middleton

Kate has worn a tiara a handful of times

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For skirts and dresses, the duchesses are expected to have "modest hemlines and slits that are only for function," explained Meier.

Discussing slits for formal daywear, Meier elaborated with, "There might be one in the back or a slight, slight one in the front to help them walk, but slits are for function, not for style during the day."

Meghan has often come under fire for skirting around one rule in particular... bearing her shoulders.

"At formal engagements, we typically always see the shoulders covered," Meier said, "It's expected shoulders will be covered."

meghan markle kate middleton

Kate and Meghan at Trooping the Colour 2018

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  • Royals
  • Meghan Markle
  • Catherine Middleton

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Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

The royal 'chin rule' you won't be able to un-spot

Meghahn Markle: 'I’m being pitted against Kate Middleton'

Meghahn Markle: 'I’m being pitted against Kate Middleton'

Kate puts her arm around Meghan in emotional moment

Kate puts her arm around Meghan in emotional moment

WATCH: Kate shares the SWEETEST moment with Wimbledon winner as she flubs her curtsey

{headline}

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Why the Queen prefers Meghan to Kate

What royal feud? Proof that Kate and Meghan's relationship is just fine

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Royal expert claims it's up to Kate to end feud with Meghan

Royal expert claims it's up to Kate to end feud with Meghan

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{headline}

Camilla steals the crown! Inside her secret plot to destroy Kate

Meghan & Kate: Secret WhatsApp messages revealed

Kate's surprise baby shower for Meghan

BREAKING: Kate and Meghan just announced some MAJOR news

BREAKING: Kate and Meghan just announced some MAJOR news

Kate or Meghan? The Queen made her choice in a VERY public way

Meghan reignites feud with Kate

Meghan reignites feud with Kate

Duchess of Cool: Kate ups the ante in royal rivalry

Duchess of Cool: Kate ups the ante in royal rivalry

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