Royal fans had a sense of déja vu this week when Meghan stepped out in a dress that was almost identical to one she wore during her short-lived showbiz career.

The only difference between her 2016 frock and this week's offering was the hemline, a good 8in longer than the Yigal Azrouel number.

Fashion-watchers have noted a dramatic transformation in the Duchess of Sussex's wardrobe in recent months, with Meghan adopting a more conservative look in line with the strict sartorial demands of being a royal.

Mini dresses have been swapped for A-line skirts, shoulders for long sleeves, and plunging necklines for her beloved bateau neck.

Meghan's modest makeover: The Duchess wore this Yigal Azrouel dress in New York City in 2016 (left), and stepped out in a similar - if more conservative - Carolina Herrrera number this week to watch Harry play at the Sentebale Polo Cup in Berkshire (right)

Celebrity stylist Lucas Armitage told MailOnline: 'Meghan has always flown the style flag for a chic approach to style, and her pre-royal outfits are a testament to style and class.

'Her new status has had a slight impact on her chic approach however, where as before strapless and mini styles were staples of her wardrobe they have been replaced with midi and more conservative cuts.

'This transition may be, in part, down to her natural style evolution. That said, a factor in her changing hem lines and more modest approach may be due to royal tradition and advisors from the palace.

'Personally I would love to see Meghan bring back some more of her sexier looks as I think a modern women, such as herself, can be both chic and sexy.

'This combination was something she knew how to rock long before she got a royal rock on her finger.'

A demure take on the LBD: Meghan wore this thigh-skimming little black dress in New York in September 2013 (left), in stark contrast to this Jackie O dress from Black Halo, worn in London in April 2018 just a month before her wedding (right)

This olive green Ralph Lauren number, worn for Prince Louis' christening at St. James's Palace in July (right) is a far cry from her 2013 look, worn during Fashion Week in New York City (right)

The great cover-up: Meghan wore this sleeveless trouser suit at an NBC event in New York, May 2015 (left); but the next time she wore a tuxedo it was a decidedly more demure affair (right)

The Bardot... but not as you know it! Meghan wore a shoulderless fuscia number in April 2016, just weeks before she met her prince (left); but her royal take on the Bardot look was a more traditional affair (seen at Trooping the Colour in June 2018, right)

These two dresses, worn six years apart, share the same navy hue, neckline and sleeve length - but the skirts could not be more different (pictured in Los Angeles, February 2012, left, and at a service celebrating 100 years of the Royal Air Force at Westminster Abbey, July 2018, right)