The Duchess of Sussex has spoken candidly about her fashion choices during her and Prince Harry’s trip to Australia, which were criticised as a “money-making plot”. Meghan Markle broke her silence on the divisive visit, explaining her decision to showcase Australian designers and praising the Australian people.
Meghan’s Love for Australia
During the four-day trip in late April, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended engagements in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. After returning, Meghan spoke to Australian Women’s Weekly, gushing about her affection for the country. She said: “My husband and I have such an affinity for Australia. I said to him the day we were flying out, ‘The only thing better than Australia are Australians’.”
Fashion Choices Explained
Meghan addressed the criticism of her wardrobe, which featured local designers. She stated: “I love being able to wear local designers and celebrate the craftsmanship that’s happening in whatever region I’m travelling to.” She added that she focused on “smaller labels, female-owned brands, up-and-coming designers, and brands with purpose.” When asked about her favourite outfit, she replied: “It would be hard to choose one because I put each look together with a different vibe in mind, and I loved them all for different reasons.”
Controversy Over Bondi Outfit
Meghan’s fashion drew backlash after she posted photos of her outfits on the shopping app OneOff, in which she has invested. One particular ensemble sparked outrage: a photo of Meghan visiting the site of the Bondi terror attacks, with links for fans to purchase her clothes. In December last year, two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event, killing 15 people and injuring 40. Harry and Meghan met survivors and emergency responders at Bondi Beach.
Former BBC royal commentator Jennie Bond criticised the move, telling the Mirror: “I have to admit that it’s rather ‘in your face’ to use every public appearance to turn a profit. I think it might be prudent for her to choose the occasions when she puts up links to her clothes on the new app, and charity events or meeting terror attack victims at Bondi Beach are not the right place for it.”
