As the fashion world eagerly anticipates the Met Gala 2025, excitement is at an all-time high. This year's event promises to be a dazzling celebration of style and culture, but one name noticeably absent from the guest list is Meghan Markle.
While her exclusion may not be shocking to many, the theme of the gala appears almost designed to ensure she remains far from the red carpet. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently announced the theme for the Costume Institute’s 2025 spring exhibition: Superfine Tailoring: Black Style Through the Ages. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition pays homage to the sharp, unapologetic style of Black dandies.
It is a powerful celebration of Black culture, history, and fashion, featuring garments, art, and photography from renowned artists such as Toyin Ojih Odutola, Torquois Dyson, Deon Andia Mladen, and Tyler Mitchell. The theme radiates Black excellence, and the guest list reflects this focus. Co-chairs for the event include Coleman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and, of course, Anna Wintour. Given Wintour’s well-documented stance on Meghan Markle, her omission is hardly surprising.
There’s an undeniable truth at play—Meghan Markle is not Black. While some argue she was treated as a Black woman after marrying Prince Harry, a point she herself explored in her Archetypes podcast featuring Mariah Carey, this particular gala is about celebrating Black identity and style. It simply isn’t her scene. Beyond that, the matter of tailoring comes into question. Meghan’s fashion choices have often been critiqued for lacking structure and polish. One critic quipped, “Tailoring? Oh honey, Meghan doesn’t even know what that is.” Vogue’s decision to leave her off the guest list might just be an act of mercy.
Despite the clear theme and the obvious guest list direction, rumors have circulated that Meghan was invited but declined. The alleged reason? She couldn’t find a babysitter for her two young children. Yes, you read that correctly—the Duchess of Sussex reportedly prioritized her maternal duties over a night of high fashion and glamour. In true Meghan fashion, she is also said to be focusing on her philanthropic work, particularly aiding victims of California’s wildfires. Of course, that aligns with her brand—selflessly tending to the needs of others, even if it means missing one of the most prestigious nights in fashion.
Let’s be clear—the Met Gala 2025 is about celebrating Black culture, history, and style. It’s not about Meghan Markle. Even if the theme were “Women Named Rachel” or “Moms Who Love Philanthropy,” she would likely still find herself on the outside looking in. Her fashion sense, frequently described as uninspired and off-the-mark, does not align with the gala’s high standards. And for those wondering about security measures to prevent any surprise appearances, rest assured—Meghan won’t be slipping past the velvet ropes. Not now, not ever.
This year’s Met Gala is set to be a groundbreaking celebration of Black dandyism and cultural excellence. While Meghan Markle’s absence might spark some chatter, the focus remains on honoring a rich legacy of style and identity—one that, despite her best efforts, she simply does not embody. As the fashion world gears up for another unforgettable night, the spotlight will rightfully be on the artists, designers, and icons who continue to elevate Black excellence. Meghan, on the other hand, will be just fine at home, sipping a milkshake and enjoying the comforts of her multi-million-dollar estate.
