Duchesses BOTH delve into their wardrobes and recycle dresses for the Queen's Christmas lunch - with Kate choosing a frock she first wore SEVEN years ago
- Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex both recycled dresses today
- Meghan wore an Erdem creation she sported for a TV interview in January 2016
- Kate's outfit appeared to be a Stella McCartney number first seen in 2011
The Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge both recycled festive frocks for the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today.
Pregnant Meghan, 37, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry next spring, opted for a floral dress by royal favourite Erdem, which she previously wore in 2016.
Meanwhile her sister-in-law Kate, 36, donned a pretty sherbet pink number that many fans believe to be a Stella McCartney creation she first sported in 2011.
Winter floral: Pregnant Meghan, 37, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry next spring, opted for a floral dress by royal favourite Erdem, which she previously wore in 2016
TV star: The former actress wore the floaty knee-length number for an appearance on US programme the Today Show in January 2016 months before she started dating Prince Harry
Look blooming beautiful like Meghan in a floral dress by Erdem
The Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex joined the rest of the Royal Family for the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today, and Meghan and Kate clearly had similar ideas when deciding what to wear.
Both dug dresses out of their wardrobes, with Kate opting for a Spring/Summer 2009 style by Stella McCartney, and Meghan repeating this Erdem Spring/Summer 2015 dress, which she wore way back when she was Suits star Meghan Markle appearing on The Today Show in January 2016. What a difference a few years makes!
She's clearly loving her florals this week, since only yesterday she wore a beautiful Brock Collection dress. Check out the high neck and tiered design of this navy number, which she teamed with dazzling Cartier earrings.
Of course it has now sold out, but click (right) to shop a similar style from the current Erdem collection at Selfridges, or find your perfect floral frock from our four lookalikes in the edit below.
The royals joined husbands Prince Harry and Prince William for the royal engagement on Wednesday afternoon - their first public outing as a foursome since rumours of a rift first emerged.
However all four appeared in good spirits, smiling broadly as they left the family gathering.
Only the smallest glimpse of the Duchesses' outfits could be seen through the car windows but Kate's vibrant candy floss-coloured dress certainly stood out.
Pretty in pink: Meanwhile her sister-in-law Kate, 36, donned a pretty sherbet pink number that many fans believe to be a Stella McCartney creation she first sported in 2011
All in the detail: The rose and pussy bow collar looks very similar to this won Kate wore as a newly minted Duchess to Prince Philip's private family birthday dinner in June 2011
Eagle-eyed royal fans noted the floral and bow at the collar looks strikingly similar to the detailing on the Stella McCartney dress Kate wore for Prince Philip's private 90th birthday party in 2011.
The satin frock, reportedly purchased by Kate in March of that year, was the perfect choice for the then newly minted Duchess of Cambridge as she joined the royals for the meal at three Michellin-starred The Waterside Inn, at Bray, Berkshire.
The dress originally cost £1,425 but Kate reportedly picked it up for £305, according to a Grazia article as reported by What Kate Wore.
Heading home: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving Buckingham Palace with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The Duchess is thought to be wearing Stella McCartney
Gracious: The Duchess of Cambridge, dressed in a sherbet pink dress, waved at supporters as she arrived with her family
Family outing: The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex attended their first joint formal engagement since rumours of a rift first emerged. Pictured, Kate arriving with her husband Prince William, their children and their nanny for the Buckingham Palace event
While it is possible the Duchess was keeping the dress for a special occasion, today's colour does look markedly different from the coral worn seven years ago.
MailOnline has contacted Stella McCartney for comment.
Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex continued her trend of eschewing maternity clothes and plumped for a dress from Erdem's Fall 2015 Ready To Wear collection.
The former actress wore the floaty knee-length number for an appearance on US programme the Today Show in January 2016, What Meghan Wore reported.
Elegant: Pregnant Meghan, 37, opted for a high-neck number with a delicate semi sheer as she joined husband Harry for the family lunch. She previously wore the dress in January 2016
Sophisticated: Meghan, pictured leaving the Christmas lunch, wore her hair sleek and straight for the engagement
The outing comes amid continued speculation over the state of relations between the two couples, with a flurry of reports in recent weeks hinting at tension both between Meghan and Kate - and William and Harry.
Prince Andrew, 58, Princess Anne, 68, and their father the Duke of Edinburgh, 97, were among the first to arrive for the family gathering today, followed shortly afterwards by the Countess of Wessex, 53, and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 15.
Princess Beatrice, 30, was also, although her sister Princess Eugenie and brother-in-law Jack Brooksbank have not yet been seen. Peter Phillips, 41, and his wife Autumn, travelled separately, with six-year-old daughter Isla spotted in the back of his car.
Prince George, five, and Princess Charlotte, three, were accompanied by their nanny in the backseat of their parents' car, while their Grandfather Prince Charles, 70, appeared without his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, who is sick with a heavy cold.
Annual gathering: Prince Philip, 97, was smart in a patterned blue tie as he made the journey to Buckingham Palace
Fresh-faced: Princess Beatrice, 30, arrived for the festive lunch after a night out in London hangout Annabel's with friends
Mother-daughter time: Lady Louise Windsor, 15, rode in the front seat of the car with Sophie Wessex as the family arrived
Flying solo: Prince Charles, 70, appeared to be attending without his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, 71
Off to gan-gans! Three-year-old Princess Charlotte, left, and Prince George, five, right, were spotted in the back of the car
A cherished royal tradition, the lunch at the palace provides the monarch with the opportunity to spend time with those relatives who don't join her at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk over the festive season, as well as close members of the family who will be there on the day itself.
The Countess of Wessex arrived without her husband Prince Edward in a low-key ensemble of burgundy jacket, chunky knit scarf and a pair of glasses. Her daughter Lady Louise was similarly laid-back in a denim shirt.
Autumn Phillips, mother of the Queen's great-granddaughters Savannah, seven, and Isla, six, brought a splash of colour to proceedings in a vibrant purple top. She arrived in a separate car to her husband and daughters.
The Duchess of Cambridge, elegant in a pink Stella McCartney dress, arrived with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Co-ordinated: Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence dressed in dark coats and red scarves as they arrived for the Queen's traditional Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace
Lunch at Mum's! Prince Andrew, pictured, was among the first members of the Royal Family seen arriving for the festive feast
Proud father: Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips drove his daughters Savannah and Isla to the family reunion on Wednesday
Full car: Mike and Zara Tindall, pictured in the front seats, arrived with daughter Mia Grace, just seen in the back
Radiant: Autumn Phillips, the wife of Peter Phillips and Princess Anne's daughter-in-law, arriving for the meal on Wednesday
The Duchess of Sussex plumped for a pretty Erdem floral number which she previously wore for a TV appearance in January 2016.
Meanwhile Princess Anne co-ordinated with husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence in a dark winter coat and bright red scarf. The Princess Royal added a sporty pair of sunglasses to the look.
Princess Beatrice wore the same River Island coat she was seen out in last night and Zara Tindall showed off her style credentials in a dress by trendy label Maje.
Staff have been busy giving Buckingham Palace a festive makeover, with impressive fir trees have erected in the Marble Hall earlier this month.
Printed perfection! Zara Tindall removed her coat to reveal a pretty red and white patterned dress as she left the family lunch
Jolly good time: The mother-of-two smiled as she left Buckingham Palace after the afternoon with her family
Accessories change: Princess Anne ditched her sunglasses as she left Buckingham Palace later on Wednesday afternoon
Off for a stroll: Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, left, took a walk after the lunch. Right, his wife Princess Anne in the car
The trees, which were grown in Windsor, were adorned with royal-themed hangings, while a traditional garland decorated with baubles has been put up along the grand staircase.
The Queen no doubt has ensured that Buckingham Palace looks the part as she hosts members of the royal family as part of her annual pre-Christmas lunch.
The traditional lunch at the Palace usually takes place mid-week, shortly before the royal family head to Sandringham for the 25th.
Busy week: Princess Beatrice, who attended without her sister Princess Eugenie, left the festivities in her own car
Husband and wife: Lady Sarah Chatto, daughter of Princess Margaret, left the lunch with husband Daniel Chatto
Chic: Lady Helen Taylor, daughter of Edward Duke of Kent, opted for classic black as she joined her family for the meal
Family reunion: Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent arrive in their own car for the royal gathering
Perfectly polished: Lady Rose Gilman, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, with her daughter Lyla Gilman
Coming together: The Duke of Gloucester and wife Birgitte wave to crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace
The annual event provides the monarch with the opportunity to spend time with members of the extended family who will not be joining her at her Norfolk estate, as well as senior royals.
The Queen and her family usually wait until the day before Christmas to decorate their tree at Sandringham House in Norfolk, gathering in the White Drawing Room on Christmas Eve to put the finishing touches to a 20ft tree cut from the estate.
This year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with George, Charlotte, and Louis, will be celebrating Christmas this year in Norfolk, despite previous reports that they would be spending the day with the Middletons.
It comes amid rumours of a rift between the Cambridges and Sussexes, following the announcement Meghan and Harry will be moving away from Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor next year.
Regal in red: Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, arrives with wife Sophie Winkleman
Festive colour: Lord Nicholas Windsor arrived with his wife and son Louis Windsor in the back of a black cab
Kate's dress is not the same. It is matte and not ...
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