There’s a first for everything — but Meghan Markle‘s first Royal Ascot came long before Kate Middleton‘s did. The new Duchess of Sussex attended the special event alongside Prince Harry just one month after their royal wedding. Kate, on the other hand, didn’t show her face at the Royal Ascot until 2016, a whole five years after she tied the knot with Prince William!

But don’t fret. Queen Elizabeth invited her every year, she just never accepted. It’s been reported that it’s because Kate and William were focused on starting their family, which now consists of Prince George, 4, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 2 months. While sources recently exclusively told Closer Weekly that Harry and Meghan are already “trying for a baby,” the newlyweds have been on the go ever since they said, “I do.”

meghan markle kate middleton getty images

For the special event on Tuesday, June 19, Meghan donned a cream button-up dress with a thin black belt around it. She topped off the look with a stylish black and white hat. The 36-year-old’s low, regal bun was the perfect touch to complete her look.

When Kate attended the special event back in 2016 (the same year of the Queen’s 90th birthday), she donned a cream lace dress with a matching fascinator — the same color Meghan wore for her first attendance! The following year, Kate sported a very similar ensemble (we’re not surprised considering she’s the Queen of recycling outfits!), so many people thought she was wearing the same thing in 2017.

Both Meghan and Kate missed the Order of the Garter this year, but since Kate has technically been on maternity leave after welcoming baby No. 3, we’ve seen a lot more of Meghan at public events. That said, royal fans are having a hard time not assuming that the Queen is getting along with Meghan far better than she did with Kate in the beginning. Such royal drama!

Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!