There are many responsibilities to adapt to when joining the British royal family. Kate Middleton wed Prince William in 2011, and has already mastered looking the part — dresses that cut at the knee, sensible pumps in muted tones, chic hats, tailored clothes, and hosiery.
Prince William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, is readying to walk down the aisle with American actress Meghan Markle, who has already embraced the family’s protocol for dressing since her engagement was announced last year in November.
Markle could be getting guidance from royal advisers, but she can also look to history — or take cues from Netflix series “The Crown.”
The biographical drama charts Queen Elizabeth II’s (played by actress Claire Foy) reign after the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952.
She learned of the death while she was on a tour in Kenya. The Queen had to wait on an airplane, as depicted in the series, until an appropriate black dress was delivered so that she wouldn’t be seen in public without a suitable mourning outfit. The show reimagines the moment when she changes into the outfit and slips off her white pumps for a black pair that matched the garment.
Since that time, a rule was imposed that every member of the royal family must travel with an all-black outfit while abroad.
Of course, this head-to-toe dress code means Markle will be traveling with the mandated ensemble, including black shoes, while accompanying her future husband on royal tours.
Markle will have plenty of options in her wardrobe, including her black suede Manolo Blahnik BB pumps, much like Middleton, who participates in somber national ceremonies throughout the year.
In fact, last November Middleton and Her Majesty attended the Festival of Remembrance, which pays tribute to Britain’s fallen soldiers, in all-black looks. Still, somber doesn’t have to be too demure. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a chic black silk and velvet Catherine Walker & Co. coat dress embellished with Swarovski crystal buttons, and sleek black pumps.
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