Meghan Markle news: Did Duchess send secret message on first official royal sighting?

Back in May 2017, Meghan Markle, now 37, was spotted watching her beau Prince Harry play polo. The now-retired Suits actor had been in the Royal box at Coworth Park, near Ascot in Berkshire. Her first outing at an official society function appeared to consolidate their relationship to many royal watchers. And, as the Prince played in the Audi Polo Challenge, some admirers of her style took a closer look at the fashion choices made by the American star.

She wore a navy blue sleeveless dress for the event, which is thought to be by Antonio Beradi.

The garment’s usual price tag was $2695 (about £2,044) – however this had been reduced to $1617 (around £1,227), the blog Meghan’s Fashion reported.

Meghan also donned a white Baboon ‘Keith’ Blazer, which retailed at $195 (around £148) – an item she seems to have sported again very recently.

For her accessories, it seems that the actress wore a pair of Mikita gold sunglasses – which sold for $498 (around £378) at the time.

Finishing off her look, Meghan held onto a Kate Spade New York Beige Cedar Street Dot Berrie – which was predominantly cream except for blue polka dots and edging.

While most people were focused on the excitement of her simply being at the event, it seems that Meghan’s bag had a surprising link to something likely to be very close to her heart indeed.

It’s not secret that the designer, Kate Spade, joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority while studying at Arizona State University in the past.

And, Meghan was also a member of the US collegiate sorority.

Express.co.uk quizzed stylist Melita Latham on whether Meghan’s choice of designer could have been due to this link.

She explained that on this outing, the bag did indeed happen to be designed by fellow Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni Kate Spade.

“It is an alarming contrast to the sober but alluring dress,” she said of the accessory.

“For a passing admirer the bag literally attempts to drag your eyes to it, distracting you from Meghan’s warmth and beauty.”

Melita went on to discuss how the bag could have been used as a form of aid as she was pictured for one of the first times in relation to one of the most photographed families in the world.

“Maybe showing solidarity for KKG and knowingly promoting Kate Spade’s brand (and what a promotion), the bag and the way she cradles it, could be compared to knights of old – but instead of a suit of armour and a shield… a Kate Spade and sunglasses keeping her safe.”

Melita continued: “Ultimately, Meghan is showing us she has everything in hand, at her disposal, no matter what the world throws at her, it is as they say… ‘In the bag!’”

Elsewhere in royal news, Meghan is said to have “created her character and public image” in one particular way.

Just like other members of the Royal Family, the Duchess of Sussex is said to have to pay particular attention to her fashion choices due to her role in the so-called Royal Firm.

Who is Meghan Markle? Quick profile

Meghan Markle was born Rachel Meghan Markle, on August 4, 1981 to parents Doria Ragland and father Thomas Markle.

Her father was previously married to Roslyn Loveless and Meghan has two elder half sibling – sister Samantha Markle and brother Thomas Markle Junior.

Actress

Meghan’s first television appearance in the USA was in an episode of the medical drama General Hospital in 2002.

She later moved on to roles in CSI, Without a Trace and Castle along with bit parts in Hollywood films including Get Him to the Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses.

Meghan was also a “briefcase girl” on Deal or No Deal – but her most famous role was as Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, which launched in 2011.

She was written out in the finale of the seventh series when her character got married, which aired in April 2018 – just before she got married herself.

Charity and humanitarian work

Meghan Markle’s career in television has gone hand-in-hand with her support for causes close to her heart.

She wrote about the stigma around menstrual health in an article for Time magazine and was a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada – with whom she travelled to Rwanda for the charity’s Clean Water Campaign.

And her commitment to gender equality has seen her work with the United Nations – receiving a standing ovation in 2015 for her speech to mark International Women’s Day.

Relationships

In September 2011, she wed film producer Trevor Engelson, who she began dating in 2004.

But the pair divorced two years later in August 2013, citing irreconcilable difference.

She was in a relationship with celebrity chef Cory Vitiello for almost two years, before they broke it off in 2016 but the two remain good friends.

And in June 2016, she met Prince Harry on a blind date set up by a mutual friend.

Their relationship began in October that year and just over one year later, on November 27, 2017, the pair announced their engagement.

They married on May 19, 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Meghan’s heritage

Some have claimed Meghan Markle is the first mixed-race member of the Royal Family.

Historians are still arguing about Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.

But Meghan will be the first royal to openly embrace a mixed-race heritage.

She has written about the difficulties of being a biracial actress in Hollywood as she claims she is not black enough for some roles and not white enough for others.