Name Tags were a controversial topic for the public observing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s attendance of the Royal Ascot. The Royal Ascot, an annual horserace with prominent attendees, takes place in Berkshire, England near Windsor Castle. The public eagerly watched this event as it was one of the earliest outings for the royal couple since their recent nuptials.
The Royal Ascot commenced on June 19th and continued until June 23rd. Anticipation for how the new duchess would behave and what she might wear superseded the excitement of which horse was mostly likely to win. While Accidental Agent, Poet’s World, Merchant Navy and Without Parole all had stunning performances, many onlookers focused on the duchess.
And just a bit of that focus centered on a name tag, the one tiny detail that was absent from Meghan’s off-white Givenchy dress.
What’s in a Name (Tag)?
Oval name tags are a familiar add-on touted by Royal Ascot attendees. While Meghan held her name tag in her hand, she did not pin it to her dress. The absence was notable as many members of the royal family typically arrive at this event with name tags pinned to even the most fashionable garments.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told BAZAAR.com that everyone at the Royal Ascot is given badges for security. Oval name tags are a helpful tool for designating who has access to a certain area, such as the royal box. The tags include someone’s title with inscriptions like “HRH the Duchess of Sussex.”
Daily life for the general public may not involve wearing fascinators and reclining in royal boxes. But name tags are still a staple at conferences, political events, parties and in the workplace. These indicators provide helpful information for ordinary events, such as a title, office department, and country of origin or military ranking.
Are Name Tags a Requirement for Royal Protocol?
Following protocol is a royal responsibility. It demonstrates propriety and the proper dignity that accompanies being a part of the British Royal Family. However, according to the BAZAAR.com interview of royal historian Marlene Koenig, wearing a name tag at the Royal Ascot is not required by royal protocol.
“Wearing [name tag] pins has nothing to do with protocol,” Koenig told BAZAAR.com. “Protocol is for official, diplomatic, state events, [including] where you sit, when you enter, etc.”
While protocol demands strict adherence to certain rules, wearing name tags is presented as an option for some significant occasions. Name tags worn for special events, like the Royal Ascot, can feature color combinations such as purple and white for royalty, or red, blue and white for Britain. A full-color name tag may represent a certain country as well as a company, organization or school.
Prince Harry & Kate Wear Their Pins
Wearing a name tag is not a requirement. The Queen herself abstained from donning one. Other royal family members fulfilled public expectation by wearing their tags, including Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge appeared in a white lace dress that, unlike the dress of her newly acquired sister-in-law, featured a name tag pinned over her heart. Prince Harry was also observed sporting his upon his suit lapel.
Perhaps whether or not one wears a name tag is merely a matter of personal preference. Perhaps Meghan Markle was thinking of protecting her clothing. Maybe a magnetic name tag would have allowed Meghan to preserve her dress and participate in the same manner as the Prince and Duchess of Cambridge.
For your next big event, you may have an option of whether or not to wear a name tag. You may be wearing a fine business suit at a trade show, rather than taupe dress to meet Irish President Michael Higgins, as in one of Meghan’s more recent outings. As you make your choice about wearing a name tag, consider what members of the royal family have done in the past. Kate Middleton chose to wear a name tag and Meghan Markle refrained.
Are you a Kate or a Meghan?