Kate Middleton rewears £995 Preen dress for surprise outing with Meghan Markle in £3k gown

The Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William do not have their own Instagram accounts – but that didn’t stop them from making an appearance on the social media platform on Friday.

The pair, whose royal engagements are usually documented via the official Kensington Palace handle, had stepped out for the annual Royal Foundation dinner the previous evening.

And, while photos from the event aren’t typically made public, pictures of their evening out were later posted on social media.

It came after singer Tom Walker took to Instagram to share a glimpse at the autumn dinner – which included him posing with the senior royals.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 36, were not the only royals in attendance at the do – as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were also pictured at the star-studded bash.

The 26-year-old musician unveiled the royal outing by posting pictures of himself with the Fab Four, as well as TV presenter Anita Rani, on Instagram – in view of his 80,500 Instagram followers.

Beside the capture, he wrote: “I had the absolute honour of performing for and meeting The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge & The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the annual @kensingtonroyal #RoyalFoundation dinner last night.

“Thanks to the super talented @thatsingingbird bird from @wearefulleffect for joining me for my last song.”

In the first photo, Kate could be seen sporting a vibrant red dress, which is by the fashion designer Preen.

The gown features an asymmetric sweetheart neckline and fitted waist, as well as a full mid-length skirt.

The Fenella dress is from the designer’s 2017 autumn winter collection, and retailed at £995.

This is not the first time the Duchess has sported the stunning outfit, having worn it in September 2016 while at a reception for political and civic leaders at the Government House in Victoria, British Columbia.

It’s thought that the  future queen consort teamed the look with her clutch bag by Jenny Packham.

She styled her sleek brunette tresses in curls, which tumbled around her shoulder – and finished the look with a pair of sparkling drop earrings.

Meanwhile, Meghan stepped out in a dark strapless gown, which had a fitted bodice and sharp cut at the bust, for the occasion.

The item is thought to be by Roland Mouret, with the product selling for $3,525 (£2745).

She also seemed to be holding a dark clutch bag, which complemented the dress.

Prince Harry looked equally smart to his wife, as he donned a white shirt and black suit.

His brother, Prince William ensured her put on a dapper display too – wearing a black tuxedo and bowtie.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle vs Kate Middleton style: Sentimental reasons they LOVE these jewels REVEALED

Who is Meghan Markle? Quick profile

Meghan Markle was born Rachel Meghan Markle, on August 4, 1981 to parents Doria Ragland and father Thomas Markle.

Her father was previously married to Roslyn Loveless and Meghan has two elder half sibling – sister Samantha Markle and brother Thomas Markle Junior.

Actress

Meghan’s first television appearance in the USA was in an episode of the medical drama General Hospital in 2002.

She later moved on to roles in CSI, Without a Trace and Castle along with bit parts in Hollywood films including Get Him to the Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses.

Meghan was also a “briefcase girl” on Deal or No Deal – but her most famous role was as Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, which launched in 2011.

She was written out in the finale of the seventh series when her character got married, which aired in April 2018 – just before she got married herself.

Charity and humanitarian work

Meghan Markle’s career in television has gone hand-in-hand with her support for causes close to her heart.

She wrote about the stigma around menstrual health in an article for Time magazine and was a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada – with whom she travelled to Rwanda for the charity’s Clean Water Campaign.

And her commitment to gender equality has seen her work with the United Nations – receiving a standing ovation in 2015 for her speech to mark International Women’s Day.

Relationships

In September 2011, she wed film producer Trevor Engelson, who she began dating in 2004.

But the pair divorced two years later in August 2013, citing irreconcilable difference.

She was in a relationship with celebrity chef Cory Vitiello for almost two years, before they broke it off in 2016 but the two remain good friends.

And in June 2016, she met Prince Harry on a blind date set up by a mutual friend.

Their relationship began in October that year and just over one year later, on November 27, 2017, the pair announced their engagement.

They married on May 19, 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.