Burgundy, a color as timeless as royalty itself, has captured attention this season as members of the British royal family incorporated it into their winter wardrobes.
The Duchess of Cambridge, Zara Tindall, and Princess Beatrice each embraced the rich hue with their usual elegance. Yet, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has inserted herself into the narrative by suggesting she pioneered the trend in 2018, when she wore a burgundy coat and dress. While her outfit was certainly polished, the claim that she revolutionized a color that has existed for centuries feels both exaggerated and unnecessary.
This assertion becomes even more questionable when considering the long history of burgundy in royal fashion. Queen Elizabeth II, a true fashion icon in her own right, wore a stunning burgundy ensemble in 2014, years before Meghan’s supposed trendsetting moment. The late monarch’s style has consistently influenced royal wardrobes across generations, making it evident that burgundy has been a royal favorite long before Meghan joined the family.
This season, other royal women have donned burgundy with striking results. Zara Tindall turned heads at the Christmas carol concert in a velvet trouser suit, pairing boldness with sophistication. Princess Catherine dazzled in a bespoke Alexander McQueen coat, perfectly accessorized to highlight her impeccable taste. Princess Beatrice radiated charm in a silk floral dress that showcased her unique blend of whimsy and elegance. The idea that these women somehow “stole” Meghan’s fashion moment feels both contrived and dismissive of their individual styles.
The history of burgundy further diminishes any claim of ownership. The color has been synonymous with nobility, power, and luxury for centuries. Its use in royal garments dates back hundreds of years, adorning everything from regal robes to elaborate tapestries. Zara Tindall, a royal since birth, has undoubtedly worn burgundy countless times, even in childhood. Catherine wore the shade in 2011 during her first Christmas with the royal family, a clear testament to burgundy’s long-standing place in royal fashion.
To suggest that Meghan introduced the world to burgundy in 2018 feels not only inaccurate but also trivial. The notion that a single outfit could claim ownership of such a universally loved color borders on the absurd. It’s akin to declaring one invented the concept of elegance itself—a claim as laughable as it is untrue.
While Meghan often opts for bold fashion statements, her execution has not always resonated with critics or audiences. Her infamous red pantsuit, for instance, drew attention for all the wrong reasons, with its wrinkled fabric and odd fit undermining its intended impact. These missteps contrast sharply with the effortless refinement displayed by Zara, Catherine, and Beatrice, who consistently combine tradition with contemporary elegance.
Meghan’s apparent fixation on being "first" at everything—from fashion to other realms—has begun to feel more performative than genuine. The suggestion that wearing burgundy could incite such a dramatic debate highlights the triviality of the claim, overshadowing the true essence of fashion: creativity and individuality.
Burgundy’s enduring appeal lies in its timelessness, not in fleeting headlines or exaggerated narratives. Whether worn by the Queen, Zara, Catherine, Beatrice, or Meghan, the color remains a symbol of elegance and versatility. Instead of chasing claims to a legacy that doesn’t need owning, perhaps it’s time to celebrate the shared beauty and tradition that royal fashion embodies.
