It only seems like yesterday that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex commenced their 10-day royal tour of Africa, arriving in South Africa with baby Archie—who made his first official appearance early one morning via the @SussexRoyal account, being carried by his mother in an ikat-print monochrome dress and giggling and laughing away at his father, who he resembles so greatly at this point. Even his H&M dungarees appeared to match the minimalistic wardrobe the Duchess has assembled for the trip, and we're certain the "Archie effect" will undoubtedly kick in soon as mothers of newborns across the globe clamour to get their hands on a pair.
We're now coming to the end of this sunny royal extravaganza, which started when Meghan and Harry went straight from the flight to their first official engagement, visiting a children's centre in the Nyanga township in Cape Town. Royal tours always require months of careful planning, and this isn't just regarding the itinerary—what the royals pack for official visits always requires real consideration and attention to detail. Typically, a royal tour wardrobe has to strike the balance between promoting British designers, and celebrating talent and businesses from the host nations.
Meghan knows her clothes can deliver powerful messages and will be instantly interpreted by royal commentators around the world, so it's not surprising she decided to champion a brand with an ethical standpoint on her first day. Meghan wore a black-and-white wrap dress by Mayamiko that's £69 and is sourced and made in Malawi by artisans. The brand is sustainable, as it is has a zero-waste policy, is careful to never overproduce, creates its garment in a solar-panelled warehouse and sources all fabric from a nearby fabric market in Lilongwe. Meghan paired her dress with classic black Castañer wedges tied at the ankles.
It seems like sustainability will be high on Meghan's fashion agenda this tour, as for her first outfit change, she repeated a look from her previous royal tour. She wore the same espadrilles with a blue shirtdress by Veronica Beard, which she wore in Tonga. But the common thread throughout? She's been relying on simple belted dresses worn with classic pointed-toe courts—a very easy to replicate working wardrobe, should you be in need of one.
Keep scrolling to see Meghan's first royal tour looks.
Outfit 9
On Meghan Markle: Madewell earrings; Stuart Weitzman pumps
On Meghan Markle: Madewell earrings; Stuart Weitzman pumps
Outfit 8
On Meghan Markle: Banana Republic dress; Stuart Weitzman pumps
On Meghan Markle: Banana Republic dress; Stuart Weitzman pumps
Outfit 7
On Meghan Markle: Room 502 dress; Manolo Blahnik pumps
On Meghan Markle: Room 502 dress; Manolo Blahnik pumps
Outfit 6
On Meghan Markle: Everlane jumpsuit; Gas Bijoux earrings; Manolo Blahnik pumps
On Meghan Markle: Everlane jumpsuit; Gas Bijoux earrings; Manolo Blahnik pumps
Outfit 5
On Meghan Markle: Club Monaco Dremah Silk Dress (£369)
On Meghan Markle: Club Monaco Dremah Silk Dress (£369)
On Meghan Markle: Club Monaco Dremah Silk Dress (£369); Manolo Blahnik pumps
Outfit 4
On Meghan Markle: Staud dress, Sam Edelman flats
Outfit 3
On Meghan Markle: Sam Edelman flats; Mother Denim jeans; Madewell bag
On Meghan Markle: Sam Edelman flats; Mother Denim jeans; Madewell bag
Outfit 2
On Meghan Markle: Veronica Beard dress
Outfit 1
On Meghan Markle: Mayamiko Dalitso dress
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