Meghan Markle Makes Evening Debut At Same Venue Princess Diana Did

Meghan Markle seems to be following in Princess Diana's footsteps.

According to Daily Mail, Markle attended her first evening event as a royal-to-be on Thursday. Surprisingly, it was held at the same venue where Lady Diana Spencer also made her evening debut in 1981.

Thirty-seven years ago, the late Princess of Wales made an appearance at the Royal Opera House and turned heads in her low-cut Emanuel gown. But unlike Markle's first evening affair, Princess Diana's debut ended up being an embarrassing night. When Princess Diana stooped down to step out of the Rolls-Royce, her low-cut dress slipped down and revealed her ample cleavage. She was dubbed as "Shy Di" after the event.

"When she stepped out of that limousine, it was the best sexual theatre since Cinderella traded in her scuffed scullery clogs for Prince Charming's glass slippers," one royal commentator said.

Princess Diana, who was only 19 years old at the time, later described that evening as a "horrendous occasion."

"I was terrified, really – at the time everything was all over the place. I remember that evening so well. I was nearly sick," Princess Diana said.

Aside from the design of her dress, Princess Diana's choice of color -- black -- was also criticized. In fact, she remembered Prince Charles asking her if she was wearing a black dress because royals believe that black is for mourning people only. The late Princess of Wales said that it was fine as she had not yet been part of the royal family.

Elizabeth Emanuel, the fashion designer responsible for the gown, also received angry letters from the public for allowing Princess Diana to slip on that black dress. According to her, they did not receive any advice that the color was only for a funeral.

"We were very young and we had no press adviser. We didn't get any advice from the Palace. She trusted us and we did our best. We thought she looked perfect – young and beautiful and elegant," Emanuel said.

Meanwhile, Markle, 36, evening debut turned out fine. In fact, she gave a speech at the event. Also, she wore a black tuxedo. The "Horrible Bosses" star has been wearing trousers and black outfits on her royal engagements. Christine Ross, editor of Meghan's Mirror, believes that Prince Harry's fiancée will only follow the "no-black" royal protocol when she officially becomes a member of the royal family.

"Royalty almost never wears black, except for somber occasions, so today's look was a surprise for royal watchers. The no-black rule is followed by every major royal woman around the world. Meghan looked very chic and professional, but I don't imagine we will see much more black after the wedding," Ross explained.

Markle is due to wed Prince Harry, Princess Diana's second born son, in May. There is no word yet on what fashion designer Markle will choose to design her wedding dress.