Here’s why Meghan Markle chose to wear a £7.99 nail varnish for the Royal Wedding

It has been revealed that the Duchess of Sussex chose a £7.99 nail polish for her big wedding day last weekend.

Meghan Markle, 36, showed off her perfectly manicured fingernails as she waved to the crowds outside Windsor Castle last Saturday, following her nuptials to Prince Harry, 33.

The former Suits actress chose a very affordable option for her special day, Essie’s Ballet Slippers, which is sold for just £7.99. And now it has been revealed why the new royal opted for the colour. The brand’s pale pink shade is in fact the Queen’s favourite nail colour to wear.

Apparently, Queen Elizabeth II has worn the Ballet Slippers shade since 1989, so Meghan’s decision to wear it too was a subtle nod to Her Majesty.

The Queen’s favourite nail varnish is a very neutral shade and works brilliantly with all the Queen’s outfits and won’t clash with her gloves either.

The Duchess of Cambridge is also a big fan of the brand, choosing the same high street brand for her wedding day nails. Catherine’s manicurist Marina Sandoval from the Jo Hansford salon told the Daily Mail the exact shades of polish that she blended for her wedding to Prince William back in 2011.

She mixed Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine Nail Enamel in Rose Lounge, a barely there pink sold only in the UK, and Essie Allure ($8, essie.com), a sheer beige tone.

The Queen’s hands are rarely on show as she often chooses to wear a set of gloves. However, when Her Majesty’s bare hands are on view you’ll never see a bright nail colour.

Buy Essie Ballet Slippers, £7.99, from Superdrug here

Essie nail polish was launched in 1981 by Essie Weingarten. According to Essie’s website, the Queen has been wearing the Ballet Slippers Essie Shade since 1989. The website states that Queen Elizabeth’s hairdresser sent a letter to the brand requesting that specific shade because it was the only colour Her Majesty would wear. The shade is described as “an iconic colour for all the seasons”.

In fact, the Queen’s rule has become somewhat of a tradition for all female members of the royal family since then. It is now protocol that the likes of Catherine, Meghan, Beatrice and Eugenie, all avoid bright colours on their nails, in order to maintain the royal family formality.

Little is known about the Queen’s beauty secrets, but over the years there have been few rumours. Perhaps Meghan will copy some of these too…

The Queen’s favourite flowers are carnations and while the exact scent of perfume she buys has not been revealed, she is thought to be a regular customer of Floris, the longest reigning British beauty company which has had the royal seal of approval since 1820.

The brand maintains a level of discretion when it comes to exactly what the Queen orders but they did reveal to the Telegraph that the Queen orders from across the core range. Fragrances start from around £55.

When it comes to the Queen’s lips, she is partial to the odd pop of colour. But her go to brand is thought to be Elizabeth Arden. The brand has held a royal warrant for over 50 years. The Telegraph speculates that Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick Matte Finish Extension in Bold Red, £21, is a firm favourite of the Queen.

So the Queen clearly likes to keep her beauty secrets under tabs but one thing we know for sure is that her nail varnish remains the same. Why not pop down to your local Boots or Superdrug, and treat yourself to the same shade the royals wear?