Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has sparked a wave of debate with her choice of a $1,350 dress during a recent trip to Nigeria.
The beige silk, maxi dress, designed by Heidi Merrick and named “Windsor,” quickly sold out following Meghan’s appearance, stirring speculation over the implications of its name as Windsor is the name for the British royal family, adopted in 1917. While some view it as a benign nod to her former royal life, others interpret it as a provocative statement amidst ongoing tensions with the Windsors.
The controversy unfolded over the course of the Duke and Duchess’s three-day visit, starting May 10, invited by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff. Their agenda included several school visits and events focusing on mental health awareness, a priority for both Prince Harry and Meghan.
It was during her stop at Lightway Academy in Abuja that Markle, 42, wore the “Windsor” dress, setting off a flurry of commentary on the social media platform X.
One user expressed a decisive stance, stating, “I’m convinced she is doing this on purpose at this point. Infamy is her goal – not approval,” drawing parallels to Wallis Simpson, the deceased Duchess of Windsor and former wife of former king Edward VIII, known for her own royal controversies. Another echoed this sentiment, commenting, “You can’t tell me Meghan isn’t being deliberate in her choice of clothes. First, she wears a dress called ‘Ginger.’ Now it’s a dress called ‘Windsor.’”
Not everyone agreed with these interpretations. A contrasting opinion on X suggested, “Honestly, I think people read too much into this stuff. She wears a dress and suddenly it’s a secret message? Maybe she just liked the dress.” People magazine also weighed in, proposing that the dress could be a subtle tribute to Markle’s past as part of the royal family.
This fashion debate is the latest chapter in the ongoing narrative surrounding Meghan Markle and her complex relationship with the British royal family. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020, seeking financial independence and privacy, public reactions have been mixed. Some commend their break from tradition while others view it as a slight against the Queen and the monarchy.
Their interactions with the media have remained cautious, often marked by tension. This was highlighted during their Nigeria trip, as the couple gave exclusive access to a seasoned reporter from People magazine, a move some critics argue contrasts with their declared commitment to “diverse and open access” to their initiatives.
The timing of their visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an initiative by Prince Harry to support wounded veterans through sports. While Harry attended the anniversary events in London, Meghan’s continued presence in Nigeria raised further eyebrows.
Whether the choice of the “Windsor” dress was intentional or merely coincidental remains a topic of speculation. Nevertheless, it has reinvigorated public and media interest in the ongoing dynamics between Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and the British Royal Family.
