Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the
British Fashion Awards on Monday wearing a sleek one-shoulder black Givenchy dress — but it was her nail color that made headlines.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared at the awards show to present her wedding dress designer and Givenchy’s artistic director, Clare Waight Keller, the British Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Markle styled her baby bump-hugging velvet black dress with gold bracelets, metallic Tamara Mellon sandals and dark nail polish.
Her dark-colored nails caught many people’s attention because, although it’s not an official protocol, it’s widely known Queen Elizabeth II does not approve of colorful nail polish on members of the royal family, U.K.’s OK! Magazine previously reported.
Fake or colored nails are reportedly seen as “vulgar” in the royal family and wearing a more neutral shade is part of the royal etiquette.
Essie revealed the queen’s hairdresser sent the nail polish brand a letter in 1989 requesting the shade “Ballet Slippers,” a pale pink color with a sheer finish.
“[It’s] the only color Her Majesty would wear,” the brand stated.
Aside from the occasional red nail polish on her toes, Kate Middleton is usually seen donning neutral nail shades, following the unofficial protocol that’s been put in place.
Markle is known to make bold fashion choices that do not follow the royal protocol. She made headlines last November when she and Prince Harry stepped out for a photocall following their engagement announcement and was seen without nude tights. The royal family has a policy of women wearing pantyhose at official engagements.
“I would say that’s really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the queen requires,” royal expert Victoria Arbiter said.
The Duchess of Sussex was first spotted with pantyhose at a party for Prince Charles’ 70th birthday in May, just days after she tied the knot.
Markle also broke royal protocol when she wore a Carolina Herrera dress that exposed her shoulders at her first Trooping the Colour. The tradition is for royal members to wear dresses that cover their shoulders.