Is it a coincidence Markle wore Australian designer Karen Gee’s Blessed Dress after announcing she was pregnant? Or a lotus print dress for her Oprah interview?
Just like other powerful public figures, every item of clothing Prince Harry’s wife wears in public is significant – these are the hidden meanings behind them

Meghan Markle is an undisputed worldwide fashion icon – although we’d be lying if she said she’d never made any style missteps along the way. But as well as looking simply stunning, there’s often a deeper meaning detected in sartorial choices. Here’s why.

Forging connections with her wedding veil 

When she married Prince Harry, Meghan’s wish was to somehow pay homage to the Commonwealth countries on her big day. To honour Markle’s wish, Clare Waight Keller – the first female artistic director of historic French fashion house Givenchy – made it happen in the most creative and beautiful way possible, creating a custom veil featuring the national flowers of each of the Commonwealth nations. Hand-embroidered blooms from Jamaica to Malaysia, Canada to Namibia, all featured on the gorgeous headpiece.

The royal couple on the steps of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where Markle’s custom veil of Commonwealth country flowers is on full display. Photo: AFP

The veil was five meters long and made from silk tulle and organza. Waight Keller even incorporated flowers from the grounds of Kensington Palace including Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) and California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) to represent Meghan’s place of birth.

#Blessed and expecting

Meghan Markle wore the aptly named “Blessed Dress” at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia after announcing her pregnancy. Photo: AP

Soon after announcing her first pregnancy, Meghan stepped out in a white dress during her and Harry’s Oceanic tour. The Duchess greeted the people of Sydney, Australia, in a frock by a female designer from the country named Karen Gee. They say a baby is a blessing, and with the US$1,000 item aptly named the Blessed Dress, did the timing of the baby news inform Meghan’s fashion choice? We like to think so.

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Prince Harry and Meghan on their Oceanic trip together. Photo: @scobie/Twitter

Wearing her truth around her neck

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Meghan briefly appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden wearing a prominent blue necklace designed by her friend Taryn Toomey. Photo: @stunningsussex/Twitter

Soon before their bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview aired, Harry appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden. During the segment, Harry rang Meghan on FaceTime. Eagle-eyed fans spotted that she was wearing a necklace from her friend Taryn Toomey’s brand The Class – specifically the US$1,295 Airelume trapezoid necklace in lapis.

The lapis lazuli stone is “widely regarded as a token of sincerity and wisdom – and is especially helpful to anyone in need of a boost in self-confidence and a stronger connection to their inner voice”, according to the brand’s website, which also adds that it “aids self-expression and revelation of one’s inner truth”. Very apt.

Meghan’s rebirth

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Meghan Markle wrapped her baby bump in a lotus print black dress for her interview with Oprah Winfrey. Photo: @oprahdaily/Instagram

During the Oprah interview, in which she finally spoke out about her experiences with “The Firm”, Markle wore a black wrap dress emblazoned with lotus flowers. According to Town and Country magazine, the symbolism was clear. The publication speculated that the dress had been carefully chosen since a lotus represents rebirth in Buddhism and is famous for being able to “flourish despite seemingly challenging conditions”.
It also drew comparisons with a dress Wallis Simpson wore in the past – another subtle nod to history repeating itself when it comes to American outsiders marrying into the royal family?

Paying tribute to Diana

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Meghan Markle wore one of Princess Diana’s favourite Cartier bracelets for her Oprah interview. Photo: @popculture/Instagram

During the interview with Oprah, Markle also wore one of Princess Diana’s favourite items of jewellery – a beloved Cartier bracelet Prince Harry gifted to her. In fact, Markle has paid subtle tribute to Harry’s mother on several occasions over the years, including on a 2018 trip to Tonga.

The diamond bracelet played a key role in the couple’s marriage as well; Harry had two diamonds taken from the bracelet and used to create Markle’s three-diamond trinity engagement ring.