The Duchess of Sussex appeared in a head-to-toe black ensemble at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, a notable departure from the rich autumnal colours and country-chic glamour she has favoured in recent weeks. The 45-year-old stepped out alongside Prince Harry for an engagement dedicated to children affected by online harm.
Her outfit, featuring a long black coat, dark tailoring and an understated low bun, was accessorised with a single red poppy as the only flash of colour. Royal fashion expert Alicia Liberty, writing for the Daily Express, noted that the timing of this fashion U-turn was significant, coming shortly after Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle Snr, faced allegations that he has denied and which remain subject to criminal proceedings.
Contrast with recent style
Just weeks earlier, Meghan had embraced burgundy tones during an engagement in Nottingham, and her recent As Ever campaign featured heritage checks, structured tailoring and a countryside aesthetic. In Brussels, those playful textures and fashionable flourishes were absent, replaced by a streamlined silhouette that allowed the serious nature of the engagement to take centre stage.
The Duchess also withdrew from her planned joint speech in Brussels, with a source explaining that she was not feeling emotionally strong enough to address an audience. Prince Harry gave the speech alone despite Meghan attending the engagement.
Silence amid family controversy
Liberty drew a contrast between Meghan's previous public statements about her experiences within the Royal Family, including her interview with Oprah Winfrey and the couple's Netflix documentary, and her current silence regarding her father's situation. The expert noted that the circumstances are entirely different and nobody should expect Meghan to discuss such painful allegations publicly.
Her understated appearance, with no flamboyant styling tricks or dramatic accessories, was seen as particularly revealing, with Liberty observing that on an occasion when she stepped away from the microphone, her wardrobe became one of the few visible elements open to interpretation.
