Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite stepping back from their royal duties, embarked on a significant journey to Nigeria recently.
The visit, reminiscent of a traditional royal engagement, showcased Meghan’s deliberate nods to the monarchy through her choice of attire and accessories.
Making her debut in the West African nation at a school supported by the Archwall Foundation, Meghan donned a sleeveless peach maxi dress by Californian designer Heidi Merrick, a piece believed to have debuted in 2018.
Drawing attention to her regal connections, Meghan’s outfit echoed the official title of her in-laws, the House of Windsor, mirroring the name of the gown she wore.
This strategic move seemed to underscore Meghan’s yearning for legitimacy through her association with the prestigious Windsor name.
Despite the couple’s attempts to distance themselves from the Windsors, Meghan’s choice of attire, including a dress named Windsor, hinted at a different narrative.
In a striking resemblance to Princess Catherine’s ensemble, Meghan sported a $1,595 white Altazura blazer paired with matching trousers and a white t-shirt underneath.
However, Meghan’s rapid outfit changes, accompanied by a bold gold necklace, raised eyebrows, hinting at a sense of ostentation.
Notably, Meghan’s attempt to imitate Catherine’s smile appeared contrived, with observers noting a stark contrast between the two women’s expressions.
Critics pointed out Meghan’s apparent obsession with emulating Princess Catherine’s style, highlighting her struggles to exude authenticity.
From her disheveled hair to her choice of vibrant white attire, Meghan’s fashion choices in Nigeria seemed out of place and disconnected from the local culture.
Despite her efforts to stay on-trend, Meghan’s fashion sense often missed the mark, leading to a perception of trend dysmorphia.
Furthermore, Meghan’s awkward gait and ill-fitting footwear added to the overall perplexity surrounding her appearance in Nigeria.
Observers noted her oversized shoes and peculiar stride, suggesting a lack of attention to detail in her wardrobe selection.
The stark contrast between Meghan’s attire and the local prints and colors further emphasized her disconnect from the cultural context of the country.
During the trip, Meghan also flaunted her $62,000 Lorraine Schwartz pinkie band, sparking speculation about its origins.
Questions arose regarding the source of the ring, with conflicting statements from the couple adding to the mystery.
Despite initial denials about the ring’s ties to a mystery donor in the Middle East, subsequent clarifications raised doubts about the transparency of Meghan’s jewelry choices.
As Meghan navigated the complexities of her Nigerian tour, her fashion faux pas and questionable jewelry selections continued to fuel speculation and scrutiny.
The Duchess’s attempt to align herself with royal traditions while carving out a unique identity seemed to falter, leaving observers puzzled by her contradictory fashion statements and elusive demeanor throughout the visit.