Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Opt For Black Coat Dresses to Mark Remembrance Sunday

Though on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean right now, sisters-in-law Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle both opted for a similar aesthetic to mark Remembrance Sunday over the weekend.

In London, the Duchess of Cambridge joined mother-in-law Camila, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen for the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London. Camila and Kate stood on the same balcony (six feet apart) overlooking the monument which honours those who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. To mark the occasion, Kate wore a custom black Alexander McQueen coat with tassel details on the shoulders and adorned with three red poppies, paired with a Philip Treacy hat and diamond and pearl earrings reportedly borrowed from the Queen.

In Los Angeles, Meghan and Harry paid a visit to the Los Angeles National Cemetery where they laid flowers picked from their garden at the resting place of two Commonwealth soldiers – one who had served in the Royal Australian Air Force and another in the Royal Canadian Artillery. They also laid a wreath in front of an obelisk with the inscription: “In Memory of the Men Who Offered Their Lives in Defense of Their Country.” Harry wrote a personal message on the wreath which said, “To all of those who have served, and are serving. Thank you.” Meghan chose a black belted midi coat-dress from Brandon Maxwell for the outing, teamed with a single red poppy and heels by Jennifer Chamandi.

According a spokesperson, the pair wanted to be able to recognize Remembrance Day “in their own way.” It is a day that is particularly meaningful to Prince Harry who served in the armed forces for 10 years, including two tours of Afghanistan. The pair’s visit coincided with the release of a new episode of military podcast Declassified which featured Prince Harry. Speaking of Remembrance Day, the Duke of Sussex said, “Remembrance Day for me is a moment for respect and for hope. Respect for those who came before us and hope for a safer world. The act of remembering, of remembrance, is a profound act of honour. It’s how we preserve the legacies of entire generations and show our gratitude for the sacrifices they made in order for us to be able to live the lives we live today.”