Possible Reason for Why Meghan Markle Skipped Royal Ascot Though Kate Middleton Attended

Tuesday marked the beginning of the five-day Royal Ascot event. Last year, Duchess Meghan attended with her husband Prince Harry but this year it was different.

A few weeks after getting married Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan attended the Royal Ascot horse racing event. However, this year, neither one of the two were present for the opening.

Earlier this month, Meghan appeared publicly at Trooping the Colour after recently giving birth. The Duchess, who is still on maternity leave, gave birth to her first child Archie Harrison on May 6.

Reports believe she missed the Royal Ascot to stay at home in Frogmore Cottage in Windsor with her son. A source explained why Meghan had found the time to attend Trooping the Colour but missed the race course event.

The insider said: “Meghan is on maternity leave, but Trooping is a family occasion. You don’t skip the Queen’s birthday. She’s the Queen!” The event celebrates the Queen's official birthday.

Last year when Duchess Kate gave birth to her third child Prince Louis, 1, she also missed the horse racing event because of her maternity leave. It’s expected that Meghan will take around three-to-five months of maternity leave.

However, depending on the occasion, she could be seen here and there. Her husband might appear at the Royal Ascot during the five-day period.

Harry hasn’t taken paternity leave to spend more quality time with his child. Instead, he’s appeared publicly in Rome and the Netherlands for Royal engagements.

The Royal Family started off the Royal Ascot by taking part in a carriage ride along the course. The Queen was joined by Duke of York and the King and Queen of the Netherlands.

Duchess Kate pitched with her husband Prince William and Prince Charles was present with Duchess Camilla. Also spotted on the day were Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and Zara and Mike Tindall.

The color of the day was blue in all of its different shades.

Kate dressed up in a cornflower blue dress with sheer sleeves by Elie Saab. She added a matching Philip Treacy hat which had a flower detail.

The Duchess accessorized with blue topaz and diamond drop earrings by Kiki McDonough.