The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has ignited a contentious debate over her choice of a $1,350 dress during a recent visit to Nigeria.
The dress, a beige silk, maxi creation by designer Heidi Merrick, was named “Windsor” and rapidly sold out after Meghan was seen wearing it. This sparked speculation due to the dress’s name being the same as the British royal family’s, which they adopted in 1917. Some see this as a harmless reference to her previous royal status, while others view it as a contentious statement amidst the ongoing disputes with the Windsors.
The controversy started during the Duke and Duchess’s three-day visit beginning May 10, where they were guests of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff. Their itinerary included multiple school visits and events centered on mental health awareness, a significant interest for both Prince Harry and Meghan.
It was at her visit to Lightway Academy in Abuja that Markle, 42, was spotted in the “Windsor” dress, which triggered a flurry of commentary on the social media platform X.
One user asserted, “I’m convinced she is doing this on purpose at this point. Infamy is her goal – not approval,” drawing parallels to Wallis Simpson, the late Duchess of Windsor and ex-wife of former king Edward VIII. Another user agreed, stating, “You can’t tell me Meghan isn’t being deliberate in her choice of clothes. First, she wears a dress called ‘Ginger.’ Now it’s a dress called ‘Windsor.’”
However, not everyone shared these views. An opposing opinion on X suggested, “Honestly, I think people read too much into this stuff. She wears a dress and suddenly it’s a secret message? Maybe she just liked the dress.” People magazine also weighed in, proposing that the dress could be a subtle nod to Markle’s past as a royal.
This sartorial debate adds another layer to the ongoing saga of Meghan Markle and her intricate relationship with the British royal family. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their senior roles in 2020 to seek financial independence and privacy, public reactions have been diverse. Some applaud their departure from tradition while others see it as an affront to the Queen and the monarchy.
The couple’s media interactions have been cautious, often fraught with tension. This was underlined during their Nigeria visit, as the couple granted exclusive access to a veteran reporter from People magazine, a move criticized by some as contradicting their pledge for diverse and open access to their initiatives.
The timing of their visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, spearheaded by Prince Harry to support wounded veterans via sports. Harry attended the anniversary events in London, while Meghan’s sustained presence in Nigeria raised further questions.
Whether the choice of the “Windsor” dress was deliberate or simply a coincidence remains a matter of conjecture. However, it has once again ignited media interest in the evolving dynamics between Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and the British Royal Family.