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    1. Beauty

    Rumour has it Kate Middleton and Megan Markle both have this affordable nail polish in common

    Royally-approved nails for under £10? Yes, please!

    Grace Lindsay's avatar
    By Grace Lindsay
    Published 7 June 2023 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    kate middleton and meghan markle smiling at each other - kate middleton nails meghan markle nails
    (Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang Getty Images 1161764255)
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    Have you ever found yourself wondering what nail polish the royals wear? We don't know about you, but we are always admiring Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's natural-looking nail trends.

    There's no doubt that both royals tend to opt for more subtle, pale pink and white shades, and with the milky nail trend on the rise, we figured you might be interested in knowing a piece of beauty insider information.

    Amongst the beauty industry, it's pretty well accepted that there's one particular Royal nail polish brand of choice—and it's none other than drugstore favourite, Essie. 

    a picture of kate middleton's nails

    Kate Middleton tends to wear sheer or pale pink nail polishes

    (Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby Indigo Getty Images 1203635961)

    It is widely thought (and reported) that the late Queen Elizabeth II only wore 'Ballet Slippers' by Essie on her nails.

    Many thought that this was the colour that Kate Middleton went for on her wedding day, but reports indicate that her nail artist on the day in fact used a mix of '28 Rose Lounge' by Bourjois and Essie's 'Allure'—a subtle milky white.

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    As for Meghan Markle, while her wedding-day nails are widely considered to be a mixture of CND shades executed by top London nail salon, DryBy, it is thought that she has also been a fan of Essie polishes. Rumour has it, Meghan has worn both 'Marshmallow' and 'Limo Scene' by Essie for royal engagements, and we can totally see why. 

    a picture of Meghan Markle's nails

    Meghan Markle is a big fan of the milky mani

    (Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images 1048990946)

    Both polishes are the perfect milky white and pink shades, that will compliment any outfit. Keep on scrolling to shop, and for more inspiration, don't forget to check out our edits of the best chrome nails, neon nails and even 'quiet luxury' nails.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    We've also put together a complete guide to all the different types of manicures, so you know what to ask for when you next visit the salon. Don't say we don't treat you. Now, time to get the royal look...

    Shop the royal's go-to nail polishes:

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Ballet Slippers'

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Ballet Slippers'
    £7
    SHOP NOW

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Allure'

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Allure'
    £8.99 AT BOOTS

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Marshmallow'

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Marshmallow'
    £8.99 AT BOOTS

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Limo Scene'

    Essie Nail Polish in 'Limo Scene'
    £8.99 AT BOOTS

    Grace Lindsay
    Grace Lindsay
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    Junior Beauty Editor

    Grace Lindsay is currently Junior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear UK and previously was Marie Claire UK's E-Commerce Writer. With over three years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, she covers everything from the best make-up and skincare deals to how to shop the stand out trends of the season. When she's not typing away at her laptop, Grace can be found shopping her favourite vintage markets IRL, or catching up on her never-ending list of books to read.

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