Meghan Markle's wedding nail polish has a secret sentimental meaning

Like many who prefer classy and minimalist manicures, Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite nail color is Essie’s Ballet Slippers, the very color hundreds of thousands of women have on their fingernails or shelves right now — including the queen’s new granddaughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, who wore the very color on her wedding day.

According to Essie’s website, in 1989 Queen Elizabeth II’s hairdresser sent Essie a letter requesting Ballet Slippers — the only color Her Majesty would wear.

And seemingly in honor of her new grandmother, The Duchess of Sussex’s nails were coated in that very color on the day she wed Prince Harry. The color choice simultaneously made her more relatable for its $9 price-tag, yet more exclusive for its fan club.

The simple and sophisticated light milky pink kept her hands looking clean and feminine without detracting from the accessories on them — her engagement and wedding rings, and then an aquamarine cocktail ring later in the evening.

Ballet Slippers seems to be a go-to for the new royal and former Suits star. She likely chose it for her engagement announcement, in which she had a short, rounded, pearly pink manicure.

It’s possible Markle liked brighter nail colors in a previous life, but those days are probably long gone. It’s also been reported over the years that fake nails or colored nail polish is considered vulgar by the royal family.

Her nail polish wasn’t the only symbolic thing on Markle’s hand this past Saturday — the blue emerald cut ring surrounded by small solitaire diamonds and set in 24 carat yellow gold with a pale blue central jewel was from Princess Diana’s personal collection.

For all things royal wedding, from details on Meghan Markle’s dress to cute pictures of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, click here. Want to relive every moment? Watch it all here.