Meghan Markle appeared to send a subtle message to the British public through her latest fashion choice, one that takes royal fashion fans back to the beginning of her journey as the Duchess of Sussex. Stepping out alongside Prince Harry in Nottingham today, the 45-year-old looked elegant in a rich burgundy ensemble as the couple carried out their first major joint public engagements since returning to Britain.
A Poignant Fashion Choice
Meghan wore the £1,495 'Dona' wool and cashmere-blend coat from British luxury label Joseph, pairing the oversized design with a coordinating high-neck jumper, midi skirt and pointed heels. While her sophisticated outfit certainly turned heads, there was something particularly poignant about her choice of colour and silhouette that may have gone unnoticed by many royal watchers.
In November 2018, the Duchess stepped out in an almost identical shade of burgundy during a visit to London's Hubb Community Kitchen, one of the first charitable projects she championed as a working royal. Nearly eight years later, Meghan has returned to Britain wearing a strikingly similar look, just as she reconnects with women involved in that very same initiative, making the fashion connection a touching reminder of a cause that has remained close to her heart.
Could It Be a Nod to Princess Catherine?
Her choice of designer and colour could also be interpreted as a subtle nod of respect to Princess Catherine, who has championed the British label and famously embraced burgundy for one of her most memorable diplomatic appearances. The Princess of Wales has worn Joseph on numerous occasions, including its tailored trousers, making Meghan's decision to wear the same designer an interesting sartorial connection between the two women.
Catherine, 44, has repeatedly embraced rich burgundy shades, from elegant winter coats to sophisticated handbags, including her quilted Chanel design. In December 2024, she welcomed the Emir of Qatar and his wife during their state visit to Britain, stepping out in a striking head-to-toe burgundy ensemble featuring an Alexander McQueen coat, matching accessories and a Chanel handbag. The colour was widely interpreted as a tribute to the Qatari flag, and it raises the question of whether Meghan's similarly coordinated look could also be a quiet gesture of respect towards the Princess of Wales.
Reunion with the Hubb Community Kitchen
Back in November 2018, Meghan visited the Hubb Community Kitchen in North Kensington to see how money raised through Together: Our Community Cookbook was transforming the lives of those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Duchess had supported the cookbook earlier that year, helping women from the community raise funds to expand their kitchen and continue providing meals to those in need. For the occasion, Meghan wore a burgundy coat and coordinating velvet dress by Club Monaco, completing the look with black tights and ankle boots.
Although today's Joseph coat features a much more oversized silhouette, the monochromatic styling, deep burgundy tones and even her sleek ponytail are reminiscent of that memorable engagement. The 2018 visit was not simply another date in Meghan's royal diary, but a chance to celebrate the success of a project she had personally helped bring to life.
Despite everything that has happened since, Meghan's connection with the women behind the Hubb Community Kitchen did not end when she and Prince Harry stepped away from royal duties in 2020. The Duchess continued supporting the group after relocating to California, including joining the women on a video call during the coronavirus pandemic as they prepared to help feed vulnerable families across London. She also reached out in June 2020 to mark the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, paying tribute to the community's resilience. Meghan maintained contact with members of the kitchen over the years, including a phone call in October 2021 to celebrate their achievements, making her reunion with some of the women during today's visit to Himmah Hub particularly meaningful. The engagement offers a poignant reminder that Meghan has not forgotten the women who played such an important part in her early royal journey.
