Meghan Markle's recent tour of Nigeria was as much a fashion runway as it was a diplomatic mission, each outfit choice sparking debates and headlines. Her series of shoulder-baring dresses not only turned heads but also stirred controversy.
During her recent tour of Nigeria, Meghan Markle stirred significant public and media attention. This was not just for her engagements but also for her daring fashion choices.
Meghan is known for her modern and often bold style. Her choice of shoulder-baring dresses throughout the visit sparked a series of controversies and debates on social media.
From traditional settings to formal events, her wardrobe was critiqued for both its style and appropriateness. This article delves into the five specific dresses that became the focal points of this fashion controversy.
Meghan's first dress was worn at a school visit. She wore the Heidi Merrick Windsor gown, characterized by its backless design and tiered skirt.She accessorized with an Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex tennis bracelet, a Cartier love bracelet, Emme Parsons shoes, and a Tank Française watch by Cartier.
The dress was quickly noted for its casual and revealing style. Critics pointed out, "Lady, you are not at a cocktail party. This is a children's school," and "Who dresses in a backless dress to a school visit 🤔 yessss a yacht girl 😂😂😂."
Additionally, the dress's inappropriateness in a conservative setting drew further backlash. Meghan received comments like "Sleeveless and backless slinky dress to a school visit where modesty is expected. A country with half the population Muslim and she rocks up half naked flesh exposed. Seriously." and "Wrinkled, ill-fitting dress. Unkempt, as usual."
Meghan wore her second dress during a more casual outing. The Johanna Ortiz dress is noted for its structured design and palm tree leaf patterns. She paired this with Emme Parsons Cecelia shoes and a variety of accessories including a Cartier love bracelet, a Diamond Hex tennis bracelet, Jennifer Meyer earrings, Heidi Merrick sunglasses, and a Lorraine Schwartz diamond pave bracelet.
Her appearance prompted comments on her physical appearance, such as "Megan looks extremely skinny😮" and "Crazy skinny," with a mix of concern and admiration, "Love [her] dress but she lost too much weight." Others called the outfit "So inappropriate."
The third dress appeared at a formal event. Meghan chose a St. Agni creation, this time a tube dress which was met with harsh criticism. With this look, she wore vintage Christian Dior earrings and nude Aquazurra sandals to match her Cartier bracelet and watch. She also donned her Diamond Hex tennis bracelet and diamond pave bracelet again.
This time, Meghan received backlash for failing to respect local cultural norms. Observations like "Disrespectful wardrobe for the culture" and "She is too old to keep showing off her shoulders & back" were common. The phrases "Who wears a tub dress to an occasion like this. No respect for their culture" and "Lol Tub dress....no respect at all." were also written on a social media post showing her outfit.
Meghan wore her fourth dress, a clingy ORÍRÉ midi dress with a ruffled bottom, to a speaking engagement. She paired this with Aquazurra sandals, Kimaï hooped earrings, and a Logan Hollowell necklace to match her Cartier and Ariel Gordon accessories. The outfit was critiqued for its fit and casualness.
This led to comments such as "Dressed inappropriately" and "Put some clothes on miss." Visible undergarments were also pointed out. This added to the unfavorable reception, "She still hasn't learned to wear a shaper under her clingy clothes. You can see her underwear lines!!" Another user lamented, "She looks like she is going to a yacht to entertain guests, lol."
The fifth dress was seen at a State Dinner.In contrast to the previous outfits, Meghan's Carolina Herrera silk overlay column gown received positive feedback during a state dinner. She paired the look with all of her previously mentioned wrist accessories and added an Aurate necklace to the mix.
The elegant yellow gown was complimented with remarks like "Thank god someone had got her an appropriate dress much better. Has been a complete cringe fest!" and "Meghan looks lovely in yellow."
While she received many disparaging comments, she also received support. One netizen tweeted, "Meghan is so beautiful her outfits are so perfect 🤩 anyone on here posting anything negative is just jealous."
There were also speculations about her possible pregnancy, with one writing, "Is she going to announce she’s pregnant in this dress?" Another fan simply asked, "Is she pregnant again?"
Meghan's fashion choices during her Nigerian tour became a significant focal point of discussion. Each of the five shoulder-baring dresses she wore not only showcased her personal style but also ignited conversations about cultural sensitivity, appropriateness, and the expectations placed on figures in the public eye while abroad.
While all eyes were on Meghan during her Nigerian trip, it was just days before that fans were focused on her and her husband together. We previously reported that Meghan and Prince Harry briefly reunited in his home country before she set off for Nigeria.
The secretive meet-up of Prince Harry and Meghan occurred at Heathrow Airport's VIP Windsor Suite, where Meghan landed solo from Los Angeles before joining Harry, who had been in the UK since Tuesday.
The couple's brief rendezvous was so discreet that only Harry was pictured at the airport when flying out of the UK. This sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, with the online community chiming in with diverse opinions.
One user sarcastically remarked, "Pathetic and strategic." Another echoed, "Acting like they are royalty." A tweet also read, "Meghan met up with Harry at the Heathrow airport lmaoo [sic] I love this."
Another reaction on Twitter noted, "#HarryandMeghaninNigeria and Harry did again. The famous 'touch and go' like the last time he was in the UK. Imagine the tabloids finding out Meghan was waiting for him on the airport in the UK."
Contrastingly, others expressed support, saying they deserved happiness. Questions about their children's whereabouts also sparked curiosity and concern. Comments read, "Where are their children, did they get to go with them?" and "Nothing meaningful about them two oh and where are their so called children are they real."
The purpose of Harry's earlier arrival in London was to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a cause close to his heart. During his stay, he attended several events related to the competition. This included a thanksgiving service. Harry expressed how "great" it was to be back in the UK, a sentiment that resonated with many of his supporters.
However, news outlets reported that Prince Harry had no plans to visit the King of England) during his stay. "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full program," a spokesperson for Harry announced).
The statement further explained), "The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon." According to a report, King Charles III had resumed a packed schedule as he returned to his public royal duties.
Meanwhile, royal experts suggested that Meghan's decision to skip the London Invictus Games festivities was calculated. Her preference for visiting Nigeria, where she anticipated a more welcoming public reception, was a move to foster positive PR rather than risking potential public disapproval in the UK.
The decision underscores a tactical approach to her public persona and engagements, especially considering the critical voices she has faced from some British royalists who have not fully embraced her.
During their last joint appearance at St. Paul's Cathedral for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the couple encountered a polarized reception. While some cheered for them, others also booed them.
The memory of being booed, despite the presence of cheers, has evidently left a lasting impression on Meghan, influencing her current travel decisions and public engagements.
Public relations guru Lynn Carratt spoke about the nuances of this decision. She noted that Meghan's presence in the UK could also potentially overshadow the Invictus Games.
Carratt pointed out that allowing Harry to attend the London events alone ensures that the focus remains on the Games and his involvement without the additional media circus that might accompany Meghan's presence.
Harry and Meghan are particularly focused on promoting the Invictus Games and engaging with local military communities in Nigeria. The couple's arrival in the country was part of a meticulously planned visit that underscores their ongoing commitment to global humanitarian and advocacy work.
