Why Meghan Markle broke with tradition at the Royal Ascot races

ROYAL watchers were left aghast when Meghan Markle flouted a very important rule last week.

TO US commoners, Meghan Markle looked absolutely impeccable in her Givenchy frock and over-the-top Dynasty-style hat at Royal Ascot this week.

But royal watchers were left aghast when the newly-minted Duchess of Sussex flouted one very important rule — she refused to wear her name badge.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrive for day one of Royal Ascot.

No big deal, right? Wrong. It is royal protocol that all members of the family to wear their badge while attending the Queen’s favourite horse race meet — no exceptions.

Well, one exception. Queen Elizabeth herself is officially exempt, but everyone else must toe the line and always does. Even Kate Middleton dutifully pins her “Duchess of Cambridge” tag to the front of her designer frock when she is there. Harry and William always have theirs on.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

And yet at her very first Ascot, Meghan declined. And before you say maybe she didn’t get a badge, I give you this photo, which shows it attached to her clutch.

Markle carried the name tag in her hand, before attaching it to her clutch.

So why did she flout the rules? Is it a subtle statement of her independence? A royal f**k you? Nope — according to Hello! magazine, it’s down to the delicate nature of Meghan’s dress.

The frock was reportedly made out of silk which would be damaged by a pin. Kate’s dresses, however, have been lace or cotton and less likely to be puckered or ruined.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Not everyone was a fan of Markle’s Ascot outfit.

The Sun begged the question “Is Meghan Markle stuck in a style rut?” questioning her decision to wear the Givenchy label twice in the last four weeks.

Since Meghan opted for Clare Waight Keller to create her wedding dress last month, Givenchy has also dressed her for her engagement with the Queen when the pair visited Cheshire on their debut royal visit together last week.