Looking at photographs of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s nearly identical entrances last year made us think about how many more thrilling (and perhaps daunting) first-time experiences they’ve experienced as average women who happened to become royalty. Meghan’s 2018 was full of exciting firsts, including sitting on the balcony for Trooping the Colour, a solo visit with Queen Elizabeth II, and her first royal tour with Harry.
Kate Middleton achieved several firsts throughout her relationship with William in 2008, and continued to do so following their engagement in 2010. We’ve compared Kate and Meghan’s royal firsts, from weddings to royal outings to their first postbaby appearances — and there will be plenty more to come this year!
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Kate’s First Interview
In November 2010, Kate’s first task after Prince William proposed was to conduct a TV interview with her fiancé. The delighted couple shared their fantastic news with ITV.
Meghan’s First Interview
Meghan and Prince Harry gave their own lovey-dovey joint interview to BBC after their engagement news broke in November 2017.
Kate’s First Official Engagement
Kate attended her first engagement when she accompanied William to a Christmas event for the Teenage Cancer Trust in 2010.
Meghan’s First Official Engagement
In December 2017 — less than a week after announcing their engagement — Meghan and Harry had their first official appearance in Nottingham, England, where they attended a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair.
Kate’s First Borrowed Diamonds
Kate wore the Cartier Halo Tiara, her first borrowed diamonds from the royal vaults, on her wedding day in April 2011.
Meghan’s First Borrowed Diamonds
On her own wedding day in May 2018, Meghan wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara, which was loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth II. It was also worn by the queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, during many of her appearances.
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Kate’s First Commonwealth Day Service
Kate joined the royal family at the Commonwealth Day Service for the first time in March 2015, while she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte.
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Meghan’s First Commonwealth Day Service
Meghan attended the annual event in March 2018, marking her first official outing with the queen.
Kate’s First Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Kate made her first appearance at one of the queen’s annual tea parties alongside Charles and Camilla in May 2012, over a year after she and William got married.
Meghan’s First Buckingham Palace Garden Party
In stark contrast, Meghan attended her first Buckingham Palace garden party just three days after her royal wedding to Prince Harry. She was spotted giggling with her in-laws as poor Harry got stung by a bee while speaking.
Kate’s First Trooping the Colour
When it comes to celebrating the queen’s official birthday at Trooping the Colour, there is a strict “no ring, no bring” rule — no girlfriends or boyfriends are allowed on the balcony, just husbands or wives. In June 2011, Kate made her debut two months after her wedding day, and even jetted off to a friend’s wedding straight after in the same outfit!