Meghan Markle’s Continued Preference for Muted Fashion Shades Sparks Debate on Royal Influence

Meghan Markle’s recent fashion choices have reignited discussions about her commitment to distancing herself from royal norms. Despite her departure from the royal family four years ago, her sartorial decisions continue to attract scrutiny.

In the latest episode of Newsweek’s The Royal Report podcast, fashion expert Miranda Holder provided an analysis of the Duchess of Sussex’s color choices throughout 2023. Holder pointed out that Meghan consistently chose muted colors for her public appearances, a choice that stands in contrast to her previous claims of being constrained to such tones during her time with the royal family.

Holder went through several of Meghan’s outfits and found a noticeable lack of vibrant colors. “There has been very little color this year,” she said, highlighting that this was surprising given Meghan’s freedom from royal protocols.

Jack Royston, Newsweek’s chief royal correspondent, recalled Meghan’s assertion that she wore neutral colors to avoid overshadowing other royal family members. This implied that her fashion choices were a result of self-imposed limitations while in the UK.

Holder speculated that the public might have expected Meghan to embrace a more colorful and expressive wardrobe post-royalty, breaking away from the ‘royal shackles.’ However, this has not been the case, leading to speculation about her true preferences.

In the “Harry & Meghan” docuseries released on Netflix in 2022, Meghan herself commented on her color choices during her time in the UK. She explained her preference for muted tones like camel, beige, and white, aiming not to clash with Queen Elizabeth II or other senior royals, and to blend in rather than stand out.

This ongoing adherence to a subdued palette, even after leaving royal life, has sparked conversations about the extent of Meghan’s desire or ability to step away from the influences and expectations of her former royal role.