Home / The Sussex Family / Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle Opens Up About Her Australia Tour Wardrobe Following Backlash

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were well-received in Australia, and it was a close replica of their ultra-successful 2018 royal tour.

(L) Meghan visits Batyr in Hawthorne. (M)Meghan meets the public. (R) Meghan and Harry visit the Royal Children's Hospital. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L&R) Jonathan Brady-Pool; (M) Cameron Spencer
(L) Meghan visits Batyr in Hawthorne. (M)Meghan meets the public. (R) Meghan and Harry visit the Royal Children's Hospital. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L&R) Jonathan Brady-Pool; (M) Cameron Spencer

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Australian tour sparked mixed reactions: some critiqued their reliance on royal status, while others were captivated by their genuine warmth towards humankind. Markle's wardrobe choices, however, generated significant buzz, occasionally defying tradition, most notably when she wore black tights, breaking a well-established royal protocol. Her outfits definitely had people talking, and now the Duchess herself revealed the thought behind each outfit, which, surprisingly, were all styled by her. 

Image Source: Getty Images | Cameron Spencer
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speak with Michael Hartung, Chief Executive Officer of Invictus Australia, at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. (Image Source: Getty Images | Cameron Spencer)

In an exclusive with The Australian Women's Weekly, the Duchess shared, “I love being able to wear local designers and celebrate the craftsmanship that’s happening in whatever region I’m travelling to. In 2018, during my trip to Australia." Markle's sartorial picks did help businesses to bloom, as in previous instances, we have seen the pieces she wore getting sold out soon after she was photographed in them. Talking in depth about her mindset behind each outfit, she added, "I really focused on smaller labels, female-owned brands, up-and-coming designers, and brands with purpose." 

rince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jonathan Brady)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum. (Image Source: Getty Images | Jonathan Brady)

Markle and Prince Harry were well-received in Australia, and it was a close replica of their ultra-successful 2018 royal tour. However, no longer working royals, the couple are still loved by the Aussies. Reciprocating their love for the country, Markle shared, “My husband and I have such an affinity for Australia. I said to him the day we were flying out, 'The only thing better than Australia is Australians.'” Keeping her affinity towards the country in focus, Markle wore from 16 Australian labels on the tour itself, which included brands like Karen Gee, Scanlan Theodore, St. Agni, Camilla and Marc, Matteau, and many more.

Image Source: Instagram | @masterchefau
Meghan Markle with the judges on the sets of MasterChef Australia during her 2026 Australian tour. (Image Source: Instagram | @masterchefau)

"It was amazing to see how many new brands are putting out such fantastic pieces, and also to revisit brands like Karen Gee, whose dress I wore when we announced we were pregnant with Archie all those years ago," shared the Duchess, talking about the entire styling process. However, having worn so many brands, she still couldn't pick a favourite. Elaborating on what she found the best in each brand, Markle stated, “It would be hard to choose one because I put each look together with a different vibe in mind, and I loved them all for different reasons. There wasn’t always time to change between locations, so it was fun to get creative.”

During the conversation, Markle also revealed that there was a reason behind her choosing each piece. Detailing them, she shared, “Scanlan Theodore is a label I wore in 2018 and again for Her Best Life. I loved the colour of the sleeveless sweater, and once I saw online that they had trousers in the same tone, I could envision the look." Talking about her MasterChef Australia look, she added, “The look that felt modern but also nostalgic for me was what I wore for MasterChef Australia from Matteau and Camilla and Marc, because a button-down shirt and sleek pencil skirt felt very 'Rachel Zane' from my Suits days. I was back on set, so I felt sentimental about it."

Meghan meets advocates during a visit to Batyr, a mental health engagement programme, at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn on April 16, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jonathan Brady-Pool)
Meghan meets advocates during a visit to Batyr, a mental health engagement programme, at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn on April 16, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Image Source: Getty Images | Jonathan Brady-Pool)

Supporting each brand, the Sussex also opined, “Credit where credit is due. These brands and designers work so hard and take great pride in their work, and I choose them for a reason. Either supporting a friend, being brand loyal, or the reasons I mentioned earlier. So it’s always been important to me that the correct designer is credited.” With that, she concluded, explaining how "Fashion is one of the most powerful industries,” capable of influencing people's emotions and expressions.

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories

Meghan Markle's family drama takes another turn as Thomas Markle Jr. reacts to his father's arrest with a chilling remark.
By Hrishita Das · 15 HOURS AGO
Meghan Markle’s father is back in custody after allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor.
By Hrishita Das · 1 DAY AGO
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walked hand in hand, supporting each other throughout the event.
By Mehak Walia · 2 DAYS AGO
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry supported each other as they arrived in Brussels on Tuesday.
By Ira Deokule · 2 DAYS AGO
Thomas Markle was arrested last week, and the new update might complicate matters.
By Ira Deokule · 2 DAYS AGO
During the event, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with grieving parents like Sandra Spitaels, who opened up to the audience about their loss.
By Mehak Walia · 2 DAYS AGO
Meghan Markle will no longer give a joint speech with Prince Harry following her father's scandal.
By Ira Deokule · 3 DAYS AGO
Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, helped identify her ex-husband in images for authorities.
By Mehak Walia · 3 DAYS AGO
Prince Harry marked his first Remembrance Sunday following his return to the UK without his family.
By Mehak Walia · 3 DAYS AGO
The new role comes amid news of Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., being arrested by the FBI in Florida yesterday.
By Mary Anthony · 5 DAYS AGO