Why Meghan didn’t have to wear her Ascot name tag, but Kate Middleton always does

Either way, doesn't everyone already know who they are?

(Image credit: DAVID HARTLEY/REX/Shutterstock)

Either way, doesn't everyone already know who they are?

It's been a big week for the royal family, with major events like the Order of the Garter taking place, as well as some huge royal baby news.

The Royal Ascot kicked off yesterday and, as with every year, the majority of the royal family were in attendance, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had this special duty.

The Duchess of Sussex proved once again that she is a huge fan of Givenchy, opting for a chic embroidered maxi shirt dress designed by Claire Waight Keller to adhere to Ascot's strict dress code.

She wore the fashion house less than a week ago for her first solo royal engagement with the Queen and, of course, on her wedding day a month ago – so it's no surprise many are now touting Waight Keller as Meghan's go-to designer.

(Image credit: DAVID HARTLEY/REX/Shutterstock)

One funny accessory that all attendees are required to wear is a name tag, denoting the level of access they have at the event – naturally, the royal family are all in the royal box.

Despite undoubtedly being the most recognisable people there, guests like Kate Middleton always wear a name tag.

However, rather than putting her name tag on, Meghan was spotted holding it along with her clutch bag (look carefully below and you'll spot it).

So, how come nobody made her wear the thing?

(Image credit: DAVID HARTLEY/REX/Shutterstock)

It's thought that because of the delicate fabric, sticking a pin through it would end up damaging the fabric and ruining the whole dress, so Meghan was let off.

Meghan is not the only one to flout the name badge rule before now, as Camilla Duchess of Cornwall has also previously gone without.

The only member of the royal family officially not required to wear a name badge is the Queen. Because, you know, she's the Queen.

Name tag or not, we're pretty confident everyone knew who Meghan was anyway.

Lucy Abbersteen
Beauty Contributor

Lucy is a freelance beauty editor and contributor at Marie Claire, and has written for titles including Glamour, Refinery29, Popsugar, woman&home and more. She was previously Marie Claire’s junior beauty editor. During her career, she’s covered everything from backstage beauty at fashion week to interviews with famous faces like Drag Race royalty and Little Mix. As for her beauty ethos, she’s a big advocate for not having to spend a fortune on beauty products to get good results, and when she’s not got beauty on the brain you’ll find her reading or hanging out with dogs.