On August 15th, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continued their visit to a South American country with an appearance at the National Center for the Arts.
The couple both made outfit changes from their earlier engagements. Meghan, who had initially worn a sleeveless Veronica Beard suit paired with Manolo Blahnik heels for the official welcome and a school visit, later changed into the Navajo Weaver dress by Colombian designer Joanna Ortiz. The dress, versatile with options for statement ruffle sleeves or a strapless look, was worn by Meghan with delicate spaghetti straps.
She also let her hair down, moving away from the sleek, slicked-back style she had sported earlier in the day, and accessorized her look with gold jewelry. However, not everyone was impressed with Meghan’s outfit. In a leaked clip, Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez was caught on camera, seemingly unimpressed by Meghan's choice of attire. Márquez’s reaction brought to mind the iconic side-eye glance Sophia Loren once gave Jayne Mansfield, a mix of disapproval and disbelief.
Her eyes appeared to scan Meghan's dress, from its exposed upper thighs to the neckline and keyhole cuts, with an expression that seemed to question the appropriateness of the outfit. The dress’s cutouts, considered unnecessary by some, were perhaps even inappropriate for such an event. Márquez's glance, loaded with disapproval, added fuel to the ongoing debate about Meghan's understanding—or lack thereof—of royal protocol during international visits.
This isn’t the first time Meghan’s fashion choices have sparked controversy during a royal tour. She often appears to struggle with balancing her personal style with the expectations of her royal role. Critics argue that Meghan seems uncomfortable in traditional royal attire and, as a result, tends to push boundaries by opting for outfits that reveal more skin than is typical for a royal event. This particular dress by Joanna Ortiz marks the third time Meghan has worn this design, and each time, it has been met with criticism. Despite its fashionable appeal, the dress raises questions about its suitability for the events she attends. Whether at the Herz Awards or a sports event in Nigeria, the outfit has not escaped scrutiny. Some wonder if Meghan has learned from past criticisms, as she continues to choose this design despite its previous poor reception.
Public reaction to Meghan’s attire was predictably divided. On one side, fashion enthusiasts applauded her bold choices, praising her for showcasing a Colombian designer during her visit. On the other, traditionalists and royal watchers were less impressed, deeming the outfit inappropriate for a royal engagement. “She looks like she’s dressed for a night out rather than a formal event,” one critic remarked. Others went further, suggesting that Meghan's dress made her appear more like a socialite than a duchess. Ultimately, Meghan’s outfit choices are not just about fashion—they are a statement. But what exactly is she trying to say? Is she pushing back against royal traditions and expectations, or is she simply out of touch with what is considered appropriate for a duchess on a royal tour?
As always, Meghan’s choices provoke discussion. Whether you admire her boldness or disapprove of her perceived disregard for royal decorum, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle continues to be a topic of intense fascination and debate. Perhaps Meghan herself summed it up best when she said, “I wear what makes me feel good.” The question remains, though: Can she find a way to balance her personal style with the demands of her royal role, or will her fashion choices continue to clash with the expectations of her position?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s South American tour will be remembered for many things, but Meghan’s bold fashion choices will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about aspects. As the couple continues their journey, it remains to be seen how Meghan will navigate the delicate balance between her personal style and royal expectations. Regarding Meghan's outfit, one might wonder if perhaps her stylist whispered in her ear, "When in Bogotá, do as the Bogotanos." After all, nothing screams royal elegance quite like a dress that borders on being a swimsuit cover-up. But who needs royal decorum when you can be fashionably rebellious? The Duchess of Sussex seems intent on redefining royal attire, one daring neckline at a time.
