Kate Middleton Wore a Very Meghan Markle–esque Suit in Cyprus With Prince William
Kate Middleton, it seems, would like to get one thing straight: Meghan Markle is not the only female royal who can wear a power suit. On Wednesday, the Duchess of Cambridge ditched her usual wrap dresses and belted skirt suits in favor of a chic blazer-and-wide-legged-trouser ensemble that looked like it could’ve come straight out of Markle’s closet.
The jacket was an olive green number from Smythe, according to Harper’s Bazaar. It’s a military-inspired one-button blazer called, all too fittingly, the Classic Duchess Blazer, begging the question of whether Middleton only wears items of clothing named after her position in the royal family or it was just a happy coincidence. Interestingly, Markle has also worn a blazer with “duchess” in its name, though hers came from pal Serena Williams‘s line and was, in fact, directly inspired by her new status.
Middleton completed the look with a simple white crewneck T-shirt, which she tucked into dark navy high-waisted trousers. She also carried an olive-colored suede clutch by L.K. Bennett, and accessorized with Asprey diamond hoops, a black leather belt, and pointy-toed heels. She was joined by Prince William, in a classic navy suit and light blue button-down shirt, as they traveled to Cyprus to meet with members of the military, as well as “families living on the base, wider station personnel, and members of the local community,” according to Kensington Palace.
Wearing pantsuits is, of course, just one item on a long list of ways in which Markle has defied royal tradition since her engagement and subsequent marriage to Prince Harry. Back in February, the former Suits star shocked etiquette experts when she arrived at her first red-carpet appearance with her then-fiancé in a black Alexander McQueen suit; at the same event, Middleton also wore Alexander McQueen, but opted for almost the exact opposite outfit: a floaty blush-colored gown.
In recent months, the sisters-in-law appear to have taken style notes from each other. Not only has Middleton been spotted out and about in—gasp—pants, but Markle has also donned some more conservative, less trendy getups than those of her Hollywood days. They’ve even had their fair share of twinning moments, including one day last month when they each attended separate solo royal outings across London in coordinating burgundy outfits. Now taking bets on how long it’ll take the duchesses to convince Queen Elizabeth to swap out her own beloved skirt suits for a pair of trousers.
Related: 17 of Kate Middleton’s Best Hair Moments Over the Years
17 of Kate Middleton’s Best Hair Moments Over The Years
At the Charities Forum Event in London, Middleton unveils an even shorter version of her tousled lob paired with natural hint of blush on the cheekbones.
The Duchess of Cambridge debuted her newly chopped locks in her signature curls as she attends the first round on the opening day of Wimbledon 2017.
Attending the Chelsea Flower Show press day in London in 2016, Middleton kept her hair in a tousled half up do.
Wearing her hair in her signature blown out curls with a playful, braided headband, Middleton visits the Haida Heritage Centre in Canada in 2016.
Attending a Christmas Day church service in King’s Lynn, England, in 2015, Middleton wore her hair in a low bun with a soft smoky eye.
Wearing her hair in a tousled high pony, Middleton attended the WW1 commemorative and Flying Day at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in New Zealand in 2014.
Visiting the Christchurch City Council Buildings in New Zealand in 2014, Middleton wore her hair in a effortlessly tousled half do with a hint of blush on the cheeks.
Attending the naming ceremony for the new Princess Cruises ship ‘Royal Princess’ in 2013, Middleton paired her tousled half up do with a chic black hat.
Looking stunning at the official launch party for Team GB and Paralympics GB for the London 2012 Games, Kate Middleton’s hairstyle pairs beautifully with her dark smoky eye.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore her hair in natural waves while visiting the Tuvanipupu Island on their Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012.
Arriving at the St. Andrew’s School in Berkshire, England, in 2012, Middleton wore her brunette curls with side swept bangs and a nude lip.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant on her wedding day in 2011 wearing her hair in an elegant half up do with a hint of blush on the cheekbones.
Celebrating her royal engagement to Prince William in 2010, Middleton wore her shiny, polished locks in soft curls with luminous skin.
Wearing her brunette curls side-parted with a soft smoky eye, Middleton looked all done up at the wedding of Lady Rose Windsor and George Gilman in 2008.
At the Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire in 2007, Middleton kept her look simple, wearing her tousled waves under a black beret.
Attending the wedding of Laura Parker-Bowles and Harry Lope in 2006, Kate Middleton wore her brown hair in soft curls with a natural lip color.
Kate Middleton at the premiere of ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ in London, England, November 2016