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DRESS DOWN

Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding dress code revealed… and it is not as stuffy as you might think

THE Royal Wedding is THE event of the year so far, so most people would probably be expecting a stricter dress code – but if you’ve scored an invite, you don’t need to panic.

So what do guests have to wear on the big day? This is what the invites ask of attendees...

 The official royal wedding invitation has been revealed, and the dress code is visible in the bottom right corner
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The official royal wedding invitation has been revealed, and the dress code is visible in the bottom right cornerCredit: PA:Press Association

What is the dress code for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding?

The dress code on the royal invitation requests a “morning suit or lounge suit” for men, and a “day dress with hat” for women.

While it definitely doesn’t have anything to do with lounging in the way we might think, a lounge suit is relatively fuss-free, and is simply a suit worn with a shirt and tie.

It is typically worn for business, and many daytime and evening social events such as christenings, funerals, and Ascot – so many guests probably have one in their wardrobe already.

A morning suit is slightly more formal, and traditional for men to wear at weddings, official functions, and formals events in the presence of the Queen.

 The couple are set to tie the knot on May 19
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The couple are set to tie the knot on May 19Credit: AFP or licensors

It involves a black or grey coat, a double or single breasted waistcoat, polished shoes, a handkerchief in the left breast pocket, and a top hat (although this can be carried instead of worn, or even dispensed later).

For example, Prince William and Harry wore morning suits to the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, and Prince Harry wore a lounge suit on the day of his engagement announcement.

A day dress for women is a dress that would be worn to a similar social occasion to a lounge suit - ideally knee length and reasonably formal, but according to the invitation, it also requires a hat to smarten the look.

 Prince William and Harry wore morning suits to William's sister-in-law's wedding
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Prince William and Harry wore morning suits to William's sister-in-law's weddingCredit: Getty - Contributor

What was the dress code for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding?

It’s not the first time the royals have provided their guests with a fairly relaxed dress code, as Prince William and Kate Middleton gave the same instructions for their big day.

But it does mean that guests can relax and not need to rush to Marks and Spencer before May – just scrub up your usual suit, and perhaps buy a new tie.

It is a rather special occasion, after all.

If you're looking for more ways to celebrate, check out this recipe inspired by their future wedding cake.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding invitations printed in London
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