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Members of the Royal Family are typically expected to wear name pins at the prestigious racing event, and Prince Harry was spotted donning his badge on Tuesday.
The only member of the Royal Family who is officially not required to wear a pin is the Queen, so questions were raised when Meghan appeared to have forgotten her own.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe commented on the tradition, stating: “At Ascot everyone is given a badge, mainly to get them through security.”
However Royal historian Marlene Koenig noted that Meghan was not obliged to attach the pin to her dress.
She said: “Wearing pins has nothing to do with protocol.
“Protocol is for official, diplomatic, state events, including where you sit, when you enter, etc.”
Commenting on why the Duchess opted not to attach the pin to her dress, she added: “Perhaps Meghan did not want to ruin that nice Givenchy dress with a pin hole.”
Meghan was spotted carrying the badge in her hand, and was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in not wearing their pins.
The Duchess wore an off-white Givenchy dress with a black-and-white fascinator and belt.
The dress was made of pure silk which could have easily been ruined if she had attached the name pin.
Attendees at the prestigious event are nevertheless obliged to follow a strict dress code, which includes covering shoulders and wearing hats.
Royal Ascot organisers commented on the dress code, stating: “Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance.
“This is upheld by our dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right.”
Meghan arrived at Ascot’s Royal box in the traditional Ascot Landaus carriage alongside her husband.
The carriage procession, with the Queen at its head, signals the start of each day of the event.
Her Majesty spoke about her fondness for Royal Ascot in her foreword for the official programme, stating: “My family and I greatly look forward to Royal Ascot.
“As the Royal meeting has evolved in recent times, it remains one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions with 300,000 racegoers enjoying the unique heritage of Royal Ascot every year, and many more people watching at home.”
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