It’s hard to believe that it’s been just over two months since Meghan Markle officially became the Duchess of Sussex. In this short time, she has gracefully navigated the intricacies of royal life, mastering everything from the art of the curtsy to understanding the nuances of royal fashion.
Meghan Markle in a blue dress and hat, smiling and waving to the crowd.
Her journey has been a whirlwind of public appearances, each accompanied by a carefully curated wardrobe. From her stunning Givenchy wedding gown to the elegant ensemble by Canadian designer NONIE that she wore to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Meghan has consistently impressed with her style choices.
A Smooth Transition with a Steep Learning Curve
Friends close to the Duchess, like actress Priyanka Chopra, have commented on her seamless adjustment to royal life. “She’s doing amazing,” Chopra shared in an interview.
Royal experts agree that Meghan’s transition has been remarkably smooth. While joining “The Firm,” as the royal family is often called, requires a significant learning curve, Meghan has taken to her new role with grace and enthusiasm.
A Duchess of Many Firsts
Since her wedding, Meghan has already celebrated numerous milestones:
- Her First Royal Family Christening: Meghan charmed onlookers at the christening of Prince Louis, showcasing her growing comfort in the royal fold.
- Her First Overseas Royal Tour: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on their first official tour as a couple, visiting Ireland and captivating the hearts of the Irish people.
- Her First Wimbledon Appearance with Kate Middleton: Meghan’s appearance at Wimbledon alongside her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, demonstrated the strong bond forming between them. Seasoned royal photographer, Mark Stewart, observed, “She very much liked Kate to take the lead. There was no rivalry. She’s aware that Kate will be queen one day and her position is different.”
Navigating Royal Protocol and Fashion Rules
Despite her success, Meghan’s every move is under intense scrutiny. Her fashion choices, in particular, have been the subject of much discussion. Her first solo outing with the Queen, for instance, sparked a debate about royal protocol. A source revealed that Meghan “finds it hard to understand why the Queen prefers women in dresses and skirts rather than trouser suits.” However, the source was quick to add, “Sometimes she asks Harry, ‘Why do we do it this way or what? What are the rules?’ … She’s curious. She’s actually asked questions, but she’s unfailingly polite and respectful and taking it all on board.”
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth II are pictured together, both smiling and seemingly enjoying each other's company.
Her wardrobe for the Dublin tour, which reportedly cost around $36,000, also made headlines. While Prince Charles is said to cover the cost of official royal wardrobes, the price tag ignited a discussion about the financial implications of royal fashion.
Winning Hearts and Looking Ahead
Since her wedding to Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex has consistently won over hearts with her warmth, charm, and genuine commitment to her royal duties. With the unwavering support of her husband and her inner circle, she is well-equipped to handle the demands of her new role.
This fall, the Duke and Duchess will embark on their most significant tour yet, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji. This extensive tour will undoubtedly be a marathon of royal engagements, but if her first few months as a Duchess are any indication, Meghan Markle is more than ready to take on the challenge.
