Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's blossoming friendship includes more than just shared meals at Kensington Palace and discussing transitioning into the royal family; it also includes bonding over fashion advice.
Kate "has also been advising Meghan about royal fashion, what protocol is expected and how she may have to adapt in the future," a source told Entertainment Tonight.
"She has provided Meghan with names of some of the favorite U.K. go-to designers on everything from dresses, coats and the all-important British hat," another source added.
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It looks like Markle has already been following Middleton's suggestions. The former actress has notably sported British labels—like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Burberry, and even Marks & Spencer—on her royal engagements with fiancé Prince Harry. It probably won't be long until she starts tapping into more of Middleton's favorites, like L.K. Bennett, and Jenny Packham.
And as we've seen at formal events, Markle has adopted hats into her royal wardrobe, with a custom Philip Treacy fascinator on Christmas Day and chic white beret by Stephen Jones on Commonwealth Day. Both headpieces were also by British designers.
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Meghan's personal style has undergone a noticeable royal transformation since her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in September, where she sported ripped jeans and flats. Six months later, she made a "very polished poised performance at the Commonwealth service," royal expert Katie Nicholl noted to ET. (Markle even matched with Kate at the event.)
"It looks very much to me as if there is someone behind the scenes helping her to dress more royally," Nicholl added. "She certainly seems to be opting for more conservative designers and really stepping up to the plate in terms of royal dressing and presenting herself as a future princess."
Maybe Kate is that certain "someone" helping Meghan out.
Getty ImagesMarkle and Middleton coordinate looks on Commonwealth Day
We also wouldn't be surprised if Meghan, like Kate, paid more sartorial tributes to their stylish late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, in the future.
"Both Kate and Meghan will no doubt honor Princess Diana with designs that reflect her likes and style," a source told ET.
We can't wait to see how this fashionable friendship continues to grow.
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Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.
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