Meghan Markle’s Latest Look Was a Subtle Nod to Her Royal Past And Prince Archie
On October 14, Meghan Markle turned heads at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women’s Summit, stunning in a coordinated blouse and skirt reminiscent of her Suits days. The Duchess of Sussex spoke about her lifestyle brand and how she maintains a healthy work-life balance while raising her children. While her appearance grabbed headlines for her unfiltered remarks, many didn’t notice her sweet hidden nod to her son, Prince Archie. Markle wore a pair of Dior heels specially made for Archie’s christening, tying her look to her royal past.
She and Prince Harry welcomed their first child, Archie, in May 2019, and he was christened at the late Queen Elizabeth’s private chapel that July. Archie was baptized while the Sussexes were full-time working royals, stepping down a year later in 2020. While Markle may have quit royal life, she has reused many items, jewelry, and accessories from her time in the royal fold, including those she inherited from the Crown. By rewearing the heels, the Duchess not only honored her son’s special occasion but also showcased her connection to the happier times in the royal family. She matched the Dior heels with a white Gabriela Hearst blouse and Brochu Walker Esme Skirt.
Archie’s christening was a significant event for Markle and Harry, who reportedly wanted to keep it as private as possible. At the time, a royal source told PEOPLE that the Duke and Duchess chose not to disclose the location because they "wanted an intimate, peaceful setting in a place with such a special connection to Her Majesty." For the christening, Markle broke royal protocol by wearing the Dior heels. Her custom white three-quarter-sleeved Dior dress with a matching hat (French label), broke with tradition as protocol dictates that women wear outfits from British designers for royal christenings.
Markle’s decision to wear Dior for the event wasn’t her only protocol breach. She also defied tradition by selecting a private venue instead of a public church, as is customary for most royal christenings. By keeping the location secret beforehand, she successfully minimized media attention on her young son. Archie’s christening was attended by the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess Diana’s sisters, and a few close friends and godparents, whose identities the Sussexes kept private.
Coming back to the Fortune event, Markle, in a conversation with Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer Alyson Shontell, spoke lovingly about her children. She revealed how she balances her busy schedule, saying, "Everyone said, 'Oh, you must have gone from Paris straight to New York,' and I said, 'No, I need to see my babies.' So went back to California for a day and then continued on."