When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, she became the Duchess of Sussex and joined one of the world’s oldest institutions. From the beginning, global media coverage focused not only on her background and role but also on her public communication style, advocacy topics, and fashion choices. Over time, fashion editors and cultural commentators from outlets such as Vogue, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, and Harper’s Bazaar have consistently observed that her wardrobe choices represented a more contemporary aesthetic than had traditionally been associated with senior working royals.
A Modern Approach to Royal Dressing
Before Meghan’s arrival, royal fashion coverage in the UK tended to focus on established traditions: tailored coats, formal dresses, hats for ceremonial events, and conservative color palettes. This was particularly evident in coverage of senior working royals over many decades.
From her first official appearances, fashion journalists noted that Meghan’s style leaned toward:
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Clean, minimalist silhouettes
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Neutral and monochrome color palettes
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Structured tailoring rather than ornate detailing
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Contemporary brands alongside established luxury fashion houses
Publications including Vogue UK, The New York Times, and The Guardian reported that her fashion choices often aligned more closely with modern professional womenswear than with traditional royal formality. This observation is based on documented outfits worn during official engagements, which are publicly photographed and archived.
Importantly, Meghan did not break royal dress protocols. Instead, fashion editors have noted that she worked within the existing guidelines while subtly modernizing their interpretation.
Fashion Commentary from Recognized Experts
The idea that Meghan influenced royal style is not limited to social media commentary; it has been discussed by established fashion journalists and authors.
For example:
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Vogue has published multiple analyses describing Meghan’s wardrobe as “modern,” “pared-back,” and “international in outlook.”
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The Guardian’s fashion desk has written that Meghan’s style “shifted the visual tone of royal dressing toward contemporary minimalism.”
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BBC culture and royal correspondents have noted that her choices generated extensive public discussion, particularly because they contrasted with the more traditional image many people associated with royal appearances.
These are not speculative opinions but published analyses from professional commentators whose work appears in major media organizations.
Meghan Markle and the Use of Tailored Trousers
One of the most frequently cited examples in reputable fashion coverage is Meghan’s regular use of tailored trousers during official engagements.
Outlets such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Reuters lifestyle reporting documented that Meghan wore trousers for several formal appearances, including:
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Official visits
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Charity engagements
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Public forums and discussions
While trousers were not prohibited for royal women before Meghan, they were less commonly seen in high-profile engagements. Fashion editors noted that her frequent use of wide-leg and tailored trousers helped normalize them as a standard option for royal public dressing.
This observation is grounded in photo archives, outfit records, and fashion reporting, rather than personal opinion.
The Wedding Dress: A Widely Documented Fashion Moment
Perhaps the most universally documented example of Meghan’s fashion impact is her wedding dress.
On 19 May 2018, Meghan married Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Her wedding dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, a fact confirmed by Kensington Palace and covered extensively by:
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BBC
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Reuters
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Associated Press
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Vogue
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The Royal Family’s official communications
Fashion journalists widely described the gown as:
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Minimalist
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Elegant
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Modern
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Intentionally understated
The design featured a clean boat neckline, long sleeves, and unembellished silk fabric. Vogue described the dress as “a masterclass in quiet elegance,” while Reuters noted that the simplicity of the design stood out compared with more ornate royal wedding gowns of the past.
The veil’s symbolism was also confirmed by Kensington Palace. Official sources explained that it featured embroidered floral emblems representing the Commonwealth nations, alongside specific flowers meaningful to Meghan and Prince Harry. This detail is therefore considered verifiable, official information.
Public Fashion Influence: The “Meghan Effect”
Reputable business and fashion publications have documented what is sometimes called the “Meghan effect,” similar to the long-recognized “Kate effect.”
For example:
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Forbes reported that brands worn by Meghan often experienced significant increases in online searches and sales after public appearances.
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Business Insider and WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) published analyses citing retail data showing measurable commercial impact linked to her outfits.
These reports are based on industry data and interviews with retail analysts, not speculation.
This influence is also evident in how frequently her outfits were covered by major publications during her time as a working royal, including detailed breakdowns by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and The Telegraph.
A Different Style from Princess Catherine — Without Rivalry
Reputable royal correspondents consistently avoid framing Meghan and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as competitors. Instead, outlets such as BBC and The Guardian have emphasized that both women have distinct styles.
Princess Catherine’s fashion influence is often associated with:
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Classic tailoring
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British heritage brands
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High-street accessibility
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Long-term consistency
Meghan’s documented style influence has been described as:
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International and contemporary
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Rooted in minimalist fashion
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Strongly influenced by professional womenswear
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Reflective of global luxury fashion trends
These distinctions are drawn from years of public fashion coverage rather than personal judgment.
Fashion After Stepping Back from Royal Duties
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they would step back from their roles as senior working royals. This decision and its timeline were confirmed by official palace statements and widely reported by BBC, Reuters, and other major outlets.
Since then, Meghan’s public appearances have been fewer, but when she does appear at events, her fashion choices continue to be covered by established media such as Vogue, Elle, and The New York Times. These publications consistently describe her style using similar language to earlier coverage: minimalist, tailored, and contemporary.
What matters for accuracy is this:
Her continued presence in fashion coverage is documented through mainstream media reporting, not through private claims or anonymous sources.
Why Meghan’s Fashion Impact Is Considered Significant
Meghan Markle’s influence on royal fashion is not based on rumor. It is supported by:
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Years of documented outfit coverage
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Analysis from professional fashion editors
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Business reporting on retail impact
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Commentary from cultural journalists
Her approach did not reject royal tradition but demonstrated that royal fashion could coexist with modern design sensibilities. That idea has been explored by reputable outlets such as Vogue, BBC Culture, and The Guardian in long-form features.
Crucially, this influence has been discussed in terms of visual culture, fashion history, and media representation, not in terms of personal speculation.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s impact on royal fashion is one of the most extensively documented aspects of her time within the public eye. Through verifiable examples—such as her Givenchy wedding dress, her frequent use of tailored trousers, and the extensive coverage by major fashion and business publications—it is clear that she contributed to a more contemporary interpretation of royal style.
This conclusion does not rely on anonymous sources or emotional storytelling. It is supported by:
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Official palace confirmations
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Archival photography
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Reputable journalism
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Fashion industry analysis