Meghan Markle swaps natural look for heavier make-up and sleek hair at Queen’s Christmas lunch, wearing a favourite brand of the Duchess
FUTURE royal Meghan Markle was pictured dressed to impress for the Queen’s Christmas dinner at Buckingham Palace yesterday.
And her eye-catching look revealed the former Suits star, 36, is altering her Californian, natural style for a more sophisticated Kate Middleton-like look.
The actress was pictured arriving with Prince Harry, 33, and she showed off heavier make-up, glossier locks and groomed eyebrows – a contrast to her natural-looking engagement shots three weeks ago.
And Meghan appears to have taken a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book when it came to the outfit choice.
The star wore a £300 lace, midi dress by London-based brand Self Portrait, which is created by Malaysian designer Han Chong.
Self Portrait is popular with the Duchess, and the striking brunette was seen wearing the label to the London premiere of A Streetcat Named Bob in November 2016.
The high-necked, guipure lace top, A-line skirt and diamond-drop earrings is a lot fussier than her usual classic style.
This style choice could hint at Prince Harry’s fiancée undergoing a style evolution ahead of the wedding on May 19.
And as with many of the outfits worn by the Duchess, Meghan’s dress has already flown off the shelves and has currently sold out.
She will have joined at least 50 other royals - including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The lunch today at Buckingham Palace was the first time Meghan will have met some of Harry's more distant relatives ahead of their wedding.
The annual lunch at Buckingham Palace is usually held a week before Christmas and the invitation is extended to lesser-known royals.
Members of the extended family at the Palace today included the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent who arrived with his daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor and his wife Princess Michael.
What the Queen eats for Christmas dinner - and who she invites
Today's annual lunch takes place around a week before the official Sandringham Christmas meal with the invitation extended to lesser-known royals.
The Queen's official festive mealtakes place at Sandringham House, Norfolk.
Christmas Eve includes afternoon tea and opening gifts - in the German tradition.
Christmas Day starts with a hardy breakfast and church service.
The big Christmas dinner includes a salad with shrimp or lobster, and a roasted turkey, and all of your traditional side dishes like parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts and Christmas pudding with brandy butter for dessert.
Only members of the Royal Family and their married partners are invited.
This is why it’s such a big deal that Meghan Markle has an invite to spend Christmas with her in-laws this year, despite her and Harry not tying the knot until May.
Meghan will be the first royal fiancée to spend Christmas Day at Sandringham with the Queen this year.
Traditionally, couples have to be married before attending the dinner in Norfolk together but Her Majesty has made an exception this year.
Kate, 35, is said to want to give Meghan a “magical and memorable” first Christmas with the royals.
More on Meghan Markle
Meghan has moved from Toronto where she lived while filming Suits to the UK to move in with Harry at Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
The Palace announced the couple will marry on May 19 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle - the same day as the FA Cup Final.
The royals are tipped to kick off their nuptials at noon with footie’s showpiece from 5.30pm.
We previously shared sketches of Meghan Markle’s potential Inbal Dror wedding gown.