The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been making headlines during their recent visit to Colombia, particularly for Meghan Markle’s eye-catching fashion statement at the National Center for the Arts in Bogota on August 15.

The couple made a noticeable switch in their attire from earlier engagements, showcasing a blend of style and controversy that has become synonymous with Meghan’s public appearances.

Earlier in the day, Meghan donned a chic sleeveless suit by Veronica Beard paired with elegant Manolo Blahnik heels for the official welcome and a school visit.

However, she later transitioned into a striking Navajo Weaver dress designed by Joanna Ortiz.

This dress offers versatility, allowing for statement ruffle sleeves or a strapless option.

Meghan opted for a more casual look, showcasing the dress with delicate spaghetti straps while letting her hair down after a slicked-back bun earlier.

In a moment that caught the attention of many, Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez was filmed appearing less than impressed with Meghan’s ensemble.

Her expression echoed the famous disapproval of Sofia Loren when faced with Jane Mansfield’s revealing attire—an unmistakable mix of disbelief and judgment.

Marquez’s gaze seemed to scrutinize every detail of Meghan’s outfit, from the daring thigh-high cutouts to the bold neckline, suggesting that perhaps less really is more in formal settings.

This incident has reignited discussions about Meghan’s understanding of royal protocol during international engagements.

Critics have long argued that she often misjudges what is appropriate for such occasions, and this latest outfit has only intensified those sentiments.

Balancing personal style with royal expectations is a tightrope walk, and Meghan appears to be finding it increasingly challenging.

The Joanna Ortiz dress is not new to Meghan; it marks the third time she has worn this particular design.

Each time, however, it has attracted its share of criticism.

While undeniably stylish, questions arise about its appropriateness for royal events.

Whether at the Hertz Awards or a sports event in Nigeria, this dress has consistently faced scrutiny, leading some to wonder why Meghan would choose it again given its mixed reception.

Public reaction to Meghan’s attire has been predictably split.

Fashion enthusiasts have applauded her for her boldness and for supporting a Colombian designer during her visit.

Conversely, traditionalists have voiced their disapproval, arguing that the outfit feels more suited for a night out than a formal royal engagement.

One critic even suggested that Meghan’s look leaned more towards that of a socialite rather than a duchess.

Meghan’s fashion choices transcend mere aesthetics; they serve as a form of self-expression.

But what message is she conveying?

Is she subtly rebelling against royal traditions, or is she simply out of sync with the expectations that come with her title?

Her wardrobe decisions consistently spark conversation, leaving admirers and detractors alike pondering her intentions.

At the heart of the matter is Meghan’s own perspective on her attire.

She once remarked, “I wear what makes me feel good,” which raises the question: can she harmonize her personal style with her royal duties?

Or will her fashion sense continue to clash with the conventional standards expected of her position?

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue their South American tour, it’s clear that Meghan’s bold fashion choices will remain a focal point of discussion.

With each public appearance, she navigates the tricky waters between self-expression and royal decorum, and it will be intriguing to see how she balances these aspects moving forward.

In the realm of royal fashion, one might wonder if Meghan’s stylist whispered a cheeky suggestion: when in Bogota, embrace the local flair.

After all, nothing quite captures the essence of royal elegance like a dress that flirts with the line of being a swimsuit cover-up.

Yet, who needs to adhere to royal norms when you can be fashionably audacious?

Ultimately, Meghan Markle continues to redefine what it means to be a duchess, one daring neckline at a time.

As her journey unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how she will blend her unique style with the expectations of her royal role.