The recently held Royal Ascot bore witness to a nostalgic fashion moment as Queen Camilla stepped out donning a familiar pink ensemble. The Queen revived an Anna Valentine coat dress initially showcased at the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018.
The Royal Ascot saw the grand arrival of Queen Camilla and King Charles III in a horse-drawn carriage, part of the traditional Royal Procession. Camilla was seen in her repeat pastel attire, accompanied by a three-strand pearl necklace with a pink centerpiece identical to the one worn during the Sussexes' wedding.
Nevertheless, her choice of headgear took a new turn. Forgoing the pink feathered hat from the wedding, the Queen selected a beige wide-brimmed hat by Philip Treacy for the Royal Ascot event. As a reminder, the Sussexes' wedding had a dress code centered on pastel shades.
Notably, Doria Ragland, the Duchess's mother, embraced a mint green dress with white floral accents while carrying a minimalist white handbag. Kate Middleton was seen in a light yellow outfit, and King Charles III brought out a grey morning suit by Anderson & Sheppard from 1984, showing a tendency towards sustainable fashion.
People magazine recounted an instance where British Vogue editor Edward Enninful had inquired if the King had contemplated a new outfit for the royal wedding. King Charles III confessed his consideration but expressed his desire to reuse the old suit.
As quoted by Enninful, King Charles III explained, "As far as that specific morning coat is concerned, I'll wear it as long as I can fit into it. It's only for a few summer occasions each year, and I believe in preserving such traditions."
The King also admitted to considering new attire if the old one doesn't fit, but he expressed skepticism about any significant changes due to his age.
On the inaugural day of the five-day-long Royal Ascot, Queen Camilla chose a custom white Dior suit, paired with a cream hat and pearl earrings. Intriguingly, this decision came right after Dior negated rumors of an association with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Speculations had suggested that Markle was negotiating to become Dior's new face as a part of her talent agency WME's strategy to revamp her image post-Spotify contract. However, both the Sussexes and Dior's representatives have denied these rumors.
Some netizens construed Queen Camilla's Dior attire as a veiled response to the Sussexes. An anonymous source claimed a palpable sense of relief within royal circles over Meghan and Harry's absence from the Royal Ascot.
The initial days of the Royal Ascot saw notable members of the British Royal Family, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and others, making a grand appearance at the event.
