It’s the end of an era: This week, Meghan Markle made her final formal appearance as a senior member of the royal family. The end of her tenure merits a look back at the Duchess of Sussex’s most iconic hair and makeup moments, revealed in appearances around the world—from the wedding chignon that was seen by millions, to a dark manicure worn for the British Fashion Awards—all carefully paired with the strict royal dress code.
Here, a set of Markle’s stand-out beauty moments, compiled on the occasion of her royal finale. While her official duties may be over, there’s sure to be many more major beauty moments in her future—this time, on her own watch.
October 2017
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To make her first appearance as a fiancée, Markle stepped out with her long brunette waves and a coat of a pinkish nude polish to show off her brand new cushion cut sparkler.
May 2018
At her wedding to Prince Harry, Markle broke with royal traditionand fastened her lengths into a center parted, undone low chignon, completed by Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara.
October 2018
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Markle debuted her baby bump alongside a seriously lit-from-within glow while on royal tour in Sydney, Australia.
December 2018
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Stepping out for the British Fashion Awards in London, Markle framed her growing baby bump with a pair of glossy manicured hands, replacing her mainstay shade of classic nude for a moody dark eggplant.
February 2019
Meghan Markle leaves the Mark Hotel wearing vintage Courreges and carrying a CH Carolina Herrera bag. Courtesy of Getty Images
For her star-studded New York City baby shower, the mom-to-be let her hair down, showing off a set of glossy, volumized waves.
May 2019
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When Baby Archie made his world debut, all eyes were on new mom Markle and her bombshell waves, supernatural skin, and barely-there nude pink pout.
July 2019
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Markle showed off a new kind of updo for the premiere of The Lion King in London, opting for a slicked, ballerina-inspired bun.
October 2019
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Returning to the U.K. after her world tour, Markle put a new spin on her classic updo, stepping out with a ’60s-inspired bouffant with tendrils framing her face.
March 2020
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For one of her final royal appearances at Commonwealth Day, Markle did not disappoint. She sported an emerald Emilia Wickstead ensemble and a sparkling navy lid, raking her famous waves back into a low chignon—talk about going out with a bang.
