During her recent appearance in Jamaica, Meghan Markle made a fashion statement that went against the strict royal rules upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth.
The Duchess of Sussex looked absolutely stunning in an all-black ensemble, with a long balloon skirt stealing the show.
While keeping the rest of her accessories, as well as her hair and makeup, minimal, it was Meghan’s choice of manicure that caught everyone’s attention.
Royal protocol dictates that all ladies should adopt a natural look, including their nails.
In fact, the late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana were known to favor Essie’s ballet slippers, a delicate pink shade with a shiny finish.
Typically, royal nails are kept smooth and square in shape.
It was reported that Meghan had also chosen this shade for royal events in the past.
However, during her recent appearance, she broke with tradition by sporting a short French manicure.
Meghan’s nails featured a beige base with white tips on square-shaped nails.
This style, popularized in the 2000s, remains a favorite among many women.
A nail technician commented on Meghan’s choice, suggesting that it may reflect her own approach to life after stepping away from the royal family with Prince Harry in 2020.
According to Siria Leslie, a young LDN nail technician, Queen Elizabeth was a pioneer for this style, often opting for Essie ballet slippers and Mademoiselle while showcasing her creative flair.
French manicures gained popularity in the 1970s, particularly on film sets, as they eliminated the need to change nail colors between takes.
Leslie explained that the French manicure represents a sense of classicism and optimism.
Although modern women experiment with different colors, the classic white remains a staple.
Square nails, like Meghan’s, are considered the most natural shape and are easy to maintain, complementing her slender fingers perfectly.
Recreating Meghan’s nail polish at home is relatively simple, according to Leslie.
Start by applying two thin coats of your favorite clear pink nail polish evenly on the nails.
Then, use a bright white nail polish and apply it along the edge of the nail, using the thin tip of the brush to create a straight line.
Meghan Markle’s daring choice to break royal tradition with her French manicure has sparked conversations about her personal style and approach to life beyond the confines of the royal family.
While the late Queen Elizabeth may not have approved, Meghan’s fashion statement has certainly made a lasting impression.