Jump directly to the content
DOUBLE DUTCH-ESS

Meghan Markle made a ‘conscious effort’ to avoid dressing like Kate Middleton

Meghan was keen to carve out her own style as a Duchess rather than follow in Kate's footsteps

WHEN Meghan Markle appeared on the scene she was inevitably going to be compared to Kate Middleton in every way – particularly her fashion choices.

A Duchess for years, Kate knows exactly how to dress and her working wardrobe is a masterclass in royally-approved outfits.

 The two women have very different tastes in fashion
5
The two women have very different tastes in fashionCredit: Splash News

In contrast, Hollywood Meghan was used to walking red carpets dressed in glitzy, short, and sometimes low-cut dresses.

Her transition into a royal has seen her old party outfits replaced with more sophisticated and less revealing numbers.

But rather than copy golden girl Kate, a royal insider claims that pregnant Meghan made a “conscious effort” not to copy The Duchess of Cambridge.

Speaking to , the insider says the 37-year-old sought to carve out her own distinct fashion identity.

 Kate has been dressing like a royal for years
5
Kate has been dressing like a royal for yearsCredit: PA:Press Association

They said Meghan was worried about “copying Kate’s style”, although Meghan’s stylist, Jessica Mulroney, has taken notes from Kate’s impeccable wardrobe.

The royal expert said Jessica: “Certainly kept an eye on Kate's style because she hasn’t put a foot wrong and is a great role model.”

Meghan’s close friend Jessica is based in Toronto, so the pair decide on outfits for royal events months in advance.

 Meghan favours darker colours over bright ones
5
Meghan favours darker colours over bright onesCredit: Getty - Contributor

In contrast Kate's stylist, Natasha Archer, has designers send outfits to Kensington Palace where she and the 36-year-old plan her wardrobe.

The insider added that mum-of-three Kate is keen to help Meghan over her royal wardrobe, saying: “Kate has been on hand to help guide Meghan with advice about certain designers and royal protocol.”

The pair both wear some of the same designers, such as Emilia Wickstead, but ultimately have very different styles.

 Meghan and the Queen both love a splash of colour
5
Meghan and the Queen both love a splash of colourCredit: Rex Features

Kate favours bright colours and patterns, while Meghan prefers darker tones.

And while Kate’s go-to designers include Jenny Packham, Alexander McQueen and Catherine Walker, Meghan favours Givenchy, Stella McCartney and Mackage Coats.

One area where Meghan has followed in Kate’s footsteps is wearing local designers while on tour.

 It's claimed Kate has been on hand to help guide Meghan
5
It's claimed Kate has been on hand to help guide MeghanCredit: AP:Associated Press

Meghan opted to wear multiple Australian designers while Down Under, a trend which is likely to continue.

Still new to the royal family, the insider claimed Meghan was careful to let her work, not her wardrobe, do the talking.

They added: “Meghan is still new to this and aware everyone still watching her and wants to be respectful and doesn’t want her style to take away from the very important work she’s doing."

The Queen included a sweet tribute to Meghan Markle in her 2018 highlights video.

In more Royal Family news, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be "hands-on" parents just like Princess Diana.

And Kate Middleton's male classmates "fancied her rotten" at school, close friend reveals.

Meghan Markle will be 'curtsying to the Duchess of Cambridge because she will be Queen'