Kate Middleton channeled Meghan Markle at the races

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Rex)

After meeting the Queen of Spain at the Order of the Garter, Kate Middleton headed over to Ascot with Prince William and the Queen to enjoy the races.

All the royals clearly got the memo, as they wore light blue for the day. The Queen wore a pastel coat dress and a statement hat adorned with fabric flowers.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a light blue lace Elie Saab dress, with a full skirt and pussy bow neckline.

She also took a lead out of Meghan Markle's book by opting for a hat that was very similar to the one the Duchess wore to Trooping the Colour last year: wide-brimmed and worn at an angle.

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Rex)

The Duchess of Sussex was one of the few royals not present at the races, as she is still on maternity leave. Her outing for the Queen's birthday was a brief exception.

As to the reason everyone wore blue, it could simply be a coincidence, however it's a colour that has oft been associated with royalty and the military, so it could also be a simple nod to that.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.