In a twist that feels straight out of a royal drama, the Duchess of Sussex is embroiled in a fashion feud over the color burgundy.
This deep red hue, long cherished by aristocrats, has suddenly become the center of attention as Meghan Markle claims to be its innovator within royal circles.
The claim has raised eyebrows, particularly from Zara Tyndall, daughter of Princess Anne, who found the notion amusing.
At a recent equestrian event, Zara reminisced about her grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her extensive collection of burgundy outfits dating back to the 1950s.
The laughter didn’t stop there.
Fashion enthusiasts quickly dug into the archives, revealing that numerous royal figures, including Princess Anne, Kate Middleton, and even the iconic Princess Diana, have donned burgundy throughout the decades.
A striking photo from 1984 features Princess Diana in a breathtaking burgundy velvet gown at a state dinner—an occasion that occurred when Meghan was just three years old.
Recently, royal family members have been spotted in various shades of burgundy at public events.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, showcased a chic burgundy suit during a charity visit last November, while Zara Tyndall wore an elegant burgundy dress coat at a racing event.
Princess Beatrice also turned heads in a stunning burgundy evening gown at a gala.
Each of these appearances was met with admiration for their unique styles, which highlighted how they each interpreted this classic color.
However, what’s truly intriguing is not the color itself but the apparent attempt to rewrite the narrative of royal fashion history.
Sources close to Meghan suggest that her team is actively working to position her as a trendsetter, despite her relatively short time as a working royal.
Royal fashion historian Margaret Bellamy finds this endeavor quite amusing, stating that claiming ownership of burgundy is akin to asserting one invented black for funerals.
Such attempts reveal a disconnect from the rich traditions of royal fashion.
The timing of this fashion dispute is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the release of several new books about the royal family.
One biography hints that Meghan has always viewed royal fashion as a platform for making bold statements rather than adhering to established customs.
Royal commentator Charles Hampton explains that there seems to be a persistent need among some royals to present themselves as the originators of trends, which clashes with the royal family’s emphasis on tradition and respect for the past.
Meanwhile, other royal ladies appear to be taking the situation with a grain of salt.
During a recent engagement, Zara Tindall exchanged a knowing glance with Princess Beatrice when the burgundy controversy was mentioned, their expressions revealing a mix of amusement and mild frustration at yet another attempt to claim fashion supremacy from across the Atlantic.
While this burgundy debacle may seem trivial, it underscores a broader narrative within the royal family.
It highlights the divide between those who appreciate the importance of tradition and those who view royal duty as an opportunity for personal branding.
Social media users have jumped on the absurdity of the situation, with one Twitter user quipping about the existence of historical paintings of Queen Victoria in burgundy, while another humorously predicted Meghan might soon claim to have invented tiaras.
What stands out in this fashion faux pas is how it mirrors differing attitudes towards royal duty and tradition.
While working royals carefully select outfits that reflect the occasion and the message they wish to convey, there appears to be an effort to frame every choice as a competition.
Fashion historian Victoria Carmichael notes that royal fashion has always served diplomatic and public relations purposes, emphasizing dignity and grace rather than who wore what first.
As winter unfolds, it’s likely we’ll see more burgundy outfits from various royal family members.
This color not only photographs beautifully but also carries the weight necessary for royal engagements.
Yet, it’s clear that the working royals won’t lose sleep over who sported the shade first.
A former palace staff member, wishing to remain anonymous, succinctly summed up the sentiment: when you’re secure in your role within the royal family, there’s no need to lay claim to a color; the focus should be on the work at hand.
The latest chapter in royal fashion has sparked a lively debate, with burgundy becoming an unexpected point of contention among the House of Windsor.
This saga began when the Daily Mail reported that Kate Middleton, Zara Tyndall, and Princess Beatrice had all embraced the regal hue in recent public outings.
Just when it seemed the royal family had found a common fashion thread, Meghan made headlines by asserting she wore the color first, igniting a competitive spirit among the duchesses.
To fully grasp the significance of this color clash, one must consider the underlying tensions within the royal family.
The relationship between the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex has been rife with speculation and rivalry since Meghan’s entry into royal life.
Royal commentator Harrietta Hodge notes that the two women come from starkly different backgrounds, leading to contrasting approaches to their roles and responsibilities.
This ongoing competition extends beyond fashion, encompassing influence, popularity, and public affection.
Meghan’s arrival, as a biracial American divorcee, was perceived by some as a challenge to the traditional royal hierarchy.
Her departure from royal duties further fueled these tensions, with many seeing it as a betrayal of the institution.
Hodge explains that Meghan’s efforts to assert her style and influence continue to challenge the established norms of royal life.
Against this backdrop, the burgundy debate emerges as a flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry.
The Daily Mail’s sensationalized coverage only exacerbates the discord, portraying Meghan as a disruptive force within the royal family.
As the royal fashion saga unfolds, one thing is clear: the world will be watching closely as these royal ladies navigate the complexities of tradition, style, and identity in the ever-evolving landscape of royal fashion.