Meghan Markle shines in off-the-shoulder dress at Trooping the Colour

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went straight to business after their honeymoon. The two beamed as newlyweds at this year’s Trooping the Colour.

Trooping of the Colour is a major event in the U.K., celebrating the Queen’s birthday with a regal parade. The name comes from the military units showing off their “colours” (flags). They then honor the Queen as they troop (march) around. Thousands attended the event, watching nearly 1,400 soldiers perform.

While the day is indeed to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II, it’s not surprising many were eager to see the new Duchess of Sussex. Markle made her Trooping the Colour debut in an off-the-shoulder, pale pink Carolina Herrera dress. She completed the look with a matching Philip Treacy hat. The chic dress featured three flat, round buttons and to go with royal style standards, a midi hemline.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during Trooping The Colour on the Mall on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Ever the style trendsetter and a bit of a royal rule breaker, Markle’s off-the-shoulder dress is a very unique look for the event. Sister-in-law Kate Middleton has worn a sleeved dress since her first Trooping the Colour in 2011. Princess Diana also never wore a look that featured short-sleeves.

This isn’t the first time Markle’s decided to stray from tradition. She opted not to wear nude pantyhose for her engagement photos. As for that signature messy bun of hers, she wore it to multiple events including her wedding. Aside from style, Markle also slipped when she gave an autograph to a little girl during her visit to Cardiff Castle in Wales. Then again, she is a former actress, so autographs come natural to her.

Markle and Prince Harry started the day with a carriage ride, following Kate Middleton and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Markle’s pink attire stood out as blue seemed to be the color of choice by many royals.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge head back along the Mall to Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Middleton wore a light blue dress by her wedding dress designer, Alexander McQueen and a hat by Juliette Botterill. The Duchess of Cornwall matched Middleton perfectly in her pale blue silk dress with a hat by Philip Treacy.

The Queen rode solo in her own carriage, celebrating her birthday in a sky blue coat and dress by Stuart Parvin and a hat by Angela Kelly.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Beatrice, Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Savannah Phillips, Prince George of Cambridge and Isla Phillips watch the flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Following a carriage ride with her husband, Markle made her royal balcony debut. She stood in the second row, alongside the British royals as they waved to the cheering crowds outside Buckingham Palace.

If you love the look, you can replicate it easily for summer with an off-the-shoulder dress (like this and this) and some Markle-esque sleek waves.

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