She's baaaaaack!
After five weeks of maternity leave following baby Archie's birth, Meghan Markle appeared in public for the first time on Saturday, June 8, at the Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the queen's birthday. Wearing a brand-new bespoke navy dress from Givenchy, black leather gloves and hat by Noel Stewart, the duchess greeted the crowds assembled on the parade route as she rode in a carriage with Prince Harry, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate Middleton.
Markle, who beamed and waved as she sat next to her husband, has been on maternity leave and out of the public spotlight since giving birth to royal baby Archie on May 6.
At last year's Trooping the Colour, Markle broke "royal protocol" by wearing a short-sleeve off-the-shoulder pink Carolina Herrera dress, when most royal women wear 3/4-length or long-sleeve dresses to the event.
The duchess decided to make an impromptu appearance at the important event this year, most likely to show her support of Queen Elizabeth and solidarity with the royal family.
She also posed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the traditional royal family group photo. Her dress had white sleeves and bow detailing that could be seen after the duchess removed her cape-like jacket.
The Duchess of Sussex also added an important accessory to her outfit: a new ring. Could this be a push present from Prince Harry?
In addition to Markle's engagement and wedding rings, a third pave band was stacked on her ring finger. And she's not the only royal with a third ring. Middleton also wears a third ring on her finger as an "eternity ring" given to the Duchess of Cambridge by Prince William after the birth of their first son, Prince George, according to Hello! magazine.
Whatever the case, we're just glad to have you back, Your Royal Highness.
