Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was photographed in New York City on Saturday, October 11, 2025, during a dinner outing with a friend. The appearance, covered by People magazine, drew attention both for her polished style and for the social media conversations that followed. The evening marked one of Meghan’s first public appearances since she shared emotional reflections about Queen Elizabeth II’s passing earlier this year.
Meghan Markle’s Stylish New York Appearance
According to People, Meghan stepped out wearing a sleek black jumpsuit paired with a tailored beige blazer, embodying her signature minimalist style. She completed the look with delicate gold accessories, a black leather clutch with a chain strap, and her hair pulled back into a low ponytail.
Photographs shared by People on Instagram and Facebook quickly circulated online. In the images, Meghan was seen smiling softly as she exited the restaurant, exuding a confident yet understated elegance. The publication described her as having a “signature glow,” which became a talking point on social media.
Social Media Reacts to Meghan’s Outing
While many praised Meghan’s outfit and poise, others fixated on a specific detail — her choice to keep one hand in her pocket as she walked out of the venue. Some commenters drew comparisons to fashion designer Victoria Beckham, who is known for posing with one hand tucked away as part of her signature style. Others simply found the gesture curious, sparking a wave of lighthearted online commentary.
Alongside discussions about her posture, some online users speculated about her appearance. These comments, which circulated mainly on social platforms, reflected differing public opinions but did not cite evidence or official statements. Mainstream outlets such as People focused primarily on Meghan’s fashion choices and the significance of the public appearance, avoiding unverified claims.
Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth II’s Passing
Meghan’s outing came more than a month after she shared a rare, emotional reflection on her podcast “With Love, Meghan”. In an episode released on August 26, 2025, she spoke with British designer Tan France about the emotional toll of being separated from her children following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.
The queen passed away on September 8, 2022, and her state funeral was held on September 19, 2022, at Westminster Abbey. During this period, Meghan and Prince Harry attended numerous memorial events alongside members of the royal family, including Prince William and Princess Catherine. Meghan described that being away from her children during that time was personally difficult, offering listeners a candid glimpse into how the period affected her as a mother.
Challenges Over Children’s Passports
The couple’s relocation to the United States has come with various legal and logistical hurdles, one of which involved securing U.K. passports for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. According to reporting by The Guardian, the Sussexes experienced significant delays in obtaining the documents after updating their children’s surnames to “Sussex” in 2023.
Standard U.K. passport processing typically takes about three weeks. However, the Sussexes reportedly waited nearly six months. The family eventually applied for expedited 24-hour processing, which was canceled due to a “systems failure,” as reported by The Guardian. The Home Office confirmed that it does not comment on individual cases. Buckingham Palace also declined to comment on the matter, noting that the issue was private and denying any involvement by royal advisers regarding the children’s titles.
After legal representatives for the Sussexes threatened to file a data subject access request — a legal measure under U.K. data protection law that allows individuals to access personal data held by government agencies — the passports were issued.
Legal Name Usage and Royal Titles
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Archie and Lilibet became eligible to use the titles “Prince” and “Princess” under the 1917 Letters Patent. Their parents adopted “Sussex” as the family surname for public use. The passports issued to the children reportedly reflect this change, marking the first time the titles appeared in legal documentation.
Prince Harry and Meghan stopped using their own HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles in 2020 after stepping back from official royal duties, in line with an agreement reached with the late queen. However, their children legally retain their HRH status and royal titles, giving them the option to decide how to use them when they are older.
Prince Harry’s Legal Security Challenge
In a separate development, Prince Harry lost a legal challenge in May 2025 regarding his entitlement to publicly funded security while visiting the U.K. According to court documents, he is expected to appeal the decision. This issue, combined with the passport delays, has added to the couple’s ongoing legal and administrative dealings since their move to the United States in 2020.
Public Responses Reflect Ongoing Interest
The Sussexes remain subjects of intense public scrutiny in both the U.K. and the U.S. Following reports about the passport situation and Meghan’s NYC appearance, online discussions ranged from lighthearted fashion commentary to debates about family relations within the monarchy. Some commenters called for reconciliation between Prince Harry and King Charles III, while others voiced strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
Despite the polarized online landscape, Meghan’s recent public appearance underscored her continued influence as a cultural and media figure. Her fashion choices often make headlines, and her willingness to speak candidly about personal experiences continues to shape public perceptions.
Meghan Markle’s Media Presence
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan has built a media and business career centered around Archewell, the organization she and Prince Harry founded. The couple has signed deals with major media companies, produced documentaries, and launched the “With Love, Meghan” podcast series. Her public appearances are often rare and carefully chosen, which may explain why even a dinner outing generated significant online attention.