Meghan’s Latest Outing Is a ‘Carefully, Well Thought-Out Plan’ Ahead of UK Return: Source
The Sussexes made an appearance at a Sundance Film Festival event, and the Duchess may have signaled a quieter, more understated public image.
Meghan Markle’s deliberately pared-back, non-royal outfit choices at her latest public outing have sparked fresh discourse. Critics have been calling her look part of a “calculated” move as the buzz about her returning to the UK alongside Prince Harry is gathering pace. The Sussexes made an appearance at a Sundance Film Festival event, and the Duchess may have signaled a quieter, more understated public image, one that was sharply contrasting to her usual, more commanding, red carpet presence and instantly led to discussions about her strategies rather than her style.
The appearance in question took place during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where Markle and Harry were seen attending the Salt Lake Celebration and premiere of Cookie Queens at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Centre. As the couple opted for an unmistakably casual look, Markle was pictured in a long-sleeved black top and jeans. Meanwhile, Harry also donned the color black, seen on his top and gilet, and wore gray jeans. They posed for pictures with the director of the Sundance Film Festival, Eugene Hernandez, presenting a low-key image that intentionally appeared non-royal.
As body language expert Judi James analysed the moment, she told the Express, “This looks like something of a rebrand for Meghan in particular, with a very pared-back, low-key styling and a bit of a rethink when it comes to her body language.” The latter added that the Duchess, “looks happy to go low-key with her posing too, here. Standing straight on to the camera,” while noting her “tempered, modest smile,” the expert realised how Markle had “one thumb hooked into her jeans pocket at one point and seems keen to avoid taking over the group poses by pushing herself into the centre at another.” That way, the actress allowed “Harry to stand posing with their host while she stands very slightly away from the pose to their side.”
James further observed, “Both Meghan and Harry appear to have opted for a more non-royal, casual look here, with Harry even in a puffa jacket, but there's no sign of any of their usual desire to pressup close together and maybe hold hands or embrace. They seem to be posing in a way that might not upstage their hosts and the stars of the show here.”
These comments have arrived at the time when the rumor mills have been kicked into high gear about Prince Harry’s possible return to the UK this summer for an Invictus Games event, and he wants Markle by his side, depending on security arrangements. The latter has not been to the UK since attending Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022. However, a source has mentioned that the Duchess understands the UK is her husband’s home and is in favor of him reforging part of his life there. Harry also believes she can get the UK public to be on her side.
The same source also claimed that the Sussexes believe that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s fall from grace after his connections with Jeffrey Epstein came to light has created an opportunity for them to return. The source revealed, “With Andrew and everything going on, it's the perfect timing for them.” Hence, “It's a very carefully, well-thought-out plan.”
