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When it comes to tour outfits, the Duchess of Sussex’s are always iconic, and during her three-day visit to Nigeria there were plenty of fashion moments that showed off her new penchant for hidden meanings.
Wearing a wardrobe of chic, patriotic looks that featured her usual layered symbolism, Meghan explained that she was using the color to get closer to her Nigerian heritage.
“It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I quickly got the note that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you in your amazing fashion,” she said.
But there was much more symbolism beyond the color, as we describe below.
Blush Pink ‘Windsor’ Dress
The couple’s first public event in Nigeria was a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, and Meghan oozed casual elegance in the silk ‘Windsor’ dress by Californian designer Heidi Merrick.
Was this a subtle nod to your children’s surnames when they were born and called Mountbatten-Windsor?
The couple’s first public event in Nigeria was a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and Meghan oozed casual elegance in the silk ‘Windsor’ dress by Californian designer Heidi Merrick.
Was Meghan’s blush pink ‘Windsor’ dress by Heidi Merrick a subtle nod to her children’s surnames which were announced as Mountbatten-Windsor?
Princess Diana gold necklace
The first subtle nod to Princess Diana was the gold necklace she wore with the Windsor dress.
Diana wore the piece on a trip to Lagos, Nigeria, in 1996, and Meghan must have felt like she was following in her mother-in-law’s footsteps with this tribute.
She paired the necklace with her vintage Lanvin clip-on earrings, the ultimate symbol of sophisticated glamour, but they weren’t too overpowering for the daytime outfit.
|Meghan in Abuja wearing the same gold necklace that Princess Diana wore in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1996
Prince Diana wore the same necklace with an Alistair Blair dress in Nigeria in 1990.
Colors of the ‘flag’ white and green
A crisp white suit is a Meghan Markle signature, and she chose this elegant, powerful and versatile ensemble for an official meeting with General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s defense chief.
This paired well with Harry’s teal suit, giving a look that pays homage to the country’s white and green flag.
This is how members of the ‘royal’ family usually dress to honor their guest hosts.
The fitted, single-breasted jacket was paired with straight-leg pants, both from Altuzarra, along with brown suede Manolo Blahnik heels.
An Aurate New York gold necklace and Ariel Gordon earrings perfectly complemented the classic suit, giving it an avant-garde touch.
Meghan and Harry were a colorful team when they stepped out in colors that pay homage to the Nigerian flag.
Tropical leaf print dress
On the second day of the trip, the couple attended a sitting volleyball match organized by Nigeria Unconquered, the charity overseeing Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games.
Meghan opted for a summer dress by Johanna Ortiz.
Featuring an abstract tropical leaf print, a decorative cutout at the bust and a center slit, the dress was bold yet sophisticated.
The bold pattern was accessorized with simple, chic accessories, including oversized sunglasses from Heidi Merrick, sandals from Emme Parsons, and large gold earrings from Jennifer Meyer.
Meghan wore this abstract tropical leaf print to an exhibition volleyball match
Red dress from the Nigerian brand Orire
Speaking at the Women in Leadership panel on Saturday, Meghan opted for a red dress by Nigerian label Orire.
The wardrobe choice was apparently a last-minute decision, as Markle explained that she quickly got the note that she needed to wear more color to fit in with the fabulous fashion in Nigeria.
She accessorized with Kimai’s gold ‘Semi Hoop’ earrings and Logan Hollowell’s Tennis necklace.
Meghan once again honored the host country by wearing this ethically sourced red dress by Nigerian designer Orire.
Princess Diana Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
For an evening reception at the Nigerian Defense Headquarters in Abuja, Meghan turned to Australian fashion brand St Agni.
She radiated effortless elegance in an all-white strapless column dress paired with Princess Diana’s diamond cross pendant necklace, a recent gift from Prince Harry.
Channeling understated glamour, the royal opted for vintage Dior ‘Love Knot’ earrings, injecting a touch of nostalgia into her modern look, along with a pop of color with her Lorraine Schwartz ‘Against Evil Eye’ bracelet.
Meghan once again paid tribute to Princess Diana by wearing another necklace that belonged to her
Blue Nigerian Wrap Skirt
Meghan brought her game to Lagos at the Giants of Africa event at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School.
Her Carolina Herrera shirt was the perfect complement to a blue striped wrap skirt made from traditional Nigerian Aso-Oke fabric that was gifted by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission.
Meghan in a traditional Nigerian blue wrap skirt to watch basketball
Meghan talks to the kids after their basketball game.
Proving that fashion is timeless, Meghan upcycled a pair of Burberry sandals first seen in 2013 and another pair of vintage Lanvin earrings, adding a sentimental touch with her personalized Ariel Gordon pendant necklace, engraved with the names of Archie and Lilibet.
Yellow dress for mother’s day.
Later on the third day of the tour, the Sussexes graced the State Governor’s House in Lagos.
Meghan chose this bright yellow Carolina Herrera dress that she had made when she was pregnant with Archie.
The Duchess also wore the dress to Archie’s first birthday and Lilibet’s pregnancy announcement, infusing the occasion with a touch of Mother’s Day nostalgia.
A brightly dressed Meghan arrives at the Lagos State Governor’s house in Lagos.
Meghan also received the traditional shawl that matched perfectly with her canary yellow Carolina Herrera dress.