Meghan Markle sparks debate over choice of dress named Windsor during Nigeria trip, trolls say she’s ‘doing this on purpose’

The choice of attire raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about the possible significance behind the dress's name
UPDATED MAY 12, 2024
People pointed out a connection between the name of Meghan Markle's blush pink Heidi Merrick dress and the House of Windsor (Andre Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
People pointed out a connection between the name of Meghan Markle's blush pink Heidi Merrick dress and the House of Windsor (Andre Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:  Meghan Markle sparked a heated debate on social media after she was spotted wearing a designer gown named 'Windsor' during her recent visit to Nigeria, as reported by New York Post.

Her choice of attire raised eyebrows and prompted speculation among social media users about the possible significance behind the dress's name, given Markle's history with the British royal family.

Meghan Markle sparks debate with dress choice during Nigeria trip

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Lightway Academy on May 10, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria. (Photo by Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, at the Lightway Academy on May 10, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria (Andre Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)

Markle's fashion choice quickly caught the attention of online sleuths, who drew a connection between the name of the blush pink Heidi Merrick dress and the House of Windsor, the royal house from which Markle and Prince Harry famously stepped back in 2020. While some interpreted it as a subtle nod to her past royal ties, others viewed it as a deliberate snub.

One commentator suggested on social media, "But they have been trying to erase the Windsors from their lives completely, but here comes Mrs Sussex wearing a dress called ‘Windsor’, haha!! Even Mr and Mrs Sussex realises they are nothing without the real Windsors," reflecting the irony perceived by some observers.



 

“Im convinced she is doing this on purpose at this point. Infamy is her goal – not approval. She is taking a page out of Wallis’s handbook,” another person tweeted.



 

One comment read, "Did she really choose a dress called the Windsor Dress, or are you being cheeky for fun?"



 

Speculation swirled about Markle's motives for wearing the Windsor dress. Some critics interpreted it as an attempt to assert ties to the Windsor name despite Meghan's departure from the royal family.

"Meghan Markle is desperate to have ties to Windsor name. Her strategic marriage and un-strategic moves since then have backfired. Like a dress with the name gives her the legitimacy that continues to elude her!” commented another observer, suggesting that the dress choice may have been perceived as a strategic move by the Duchess.



 

Markle donned the maxi dress during a visit to a school in Nigeria alongside Prince Harry. The couple's trip to the West African country was at the invitation of Nigeria's chief of defense staff, the highest-ranking military official.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Lightway Academy on May 10, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria. (Photo by Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to the West African country was at the invitation of Nigeria's chief of defense staff (Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)

Markle's choice of attire has reignited discussions about her relationship with the British royal family and the perceived symbolism behind her fashion choices. As online debates continue to unfold, Markle's actions are scrutinized not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potential deeper meanings in the context of her past and present royal connections.

Meghan Markle 'hugely tempted' to attend Met Gala but prioritizes son Archie's birthday

Meghan Markle attends Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on December 25, 2017 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle may not be a working actor but 'she’s addicted to mixing with celebrities' (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, reportedly wrestled with the decision to attend the prestigious Met Gala but ultimately declined due to her son Prince Archie's birthday. According to royal author and commentator Tom Quinn, Markle was drawn to the glitz and glamour of the event but chose to prioritize her family commitments.

In an interview with The Mirror, Quinn disclosed that Markle was "hugely tempted" to grace the Met Gala with her presence. Known for her affinity for such high-profile gatherings, Markle likely weighed the invitation against the significance of Archie's birthday. The young royal turned five on May 6, coinciding with the date of the Met Gala.

Quinn suggested that Markle would have loved to make her presence felt at the Met Gala as it would have given her newly launched lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, much needed publicity. Despite no longer being a working actor, Markle is said to cherish the opportunity to mingle with celebrities and bask in the glamour associated with such events.

Quinn shared "Meghan was hugely tempted to go to the Met Gala. She loves this kind of big, glitzy event, especially as it’s held to raise money for charity, and with the launch of her new online brand, she needs all the publicity she can get.”

"She may no longer be a working actor, but she’s addicted to mixing with celebrities – that's why she lives in Montecito next door to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom and a host of other A-listers.”

“The glamour associated with being a celebrity in the States has always been something Meghan can’t do without and an event such as the Met Gala is almost too tempting to resist.”

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