Meghan Markle news: How royal 'created her character and public image' – insider reveals

Meghan Markle rose to fame as an American actor, famously playing Rachel Zane in Suits. She later met Prince Harry, and having dated for some time, the pair announced their plans to marry. The 37-year-old has since retired form her acting career, and following the Royal Wedding last year, she now carries out royal duties as the Duchess of Sussex. An expert stylist, who has dressed fellow royals Princess Eugenie, 28, and Princess Beatrice, 30, in the past, recently spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about the typical Royal style choices.

When quizzed on the fashion decisions they must make due to their role in the public eye, Holly Jade O’Leary explained that they must be “deliberate” with what they choose.

What’s more, the royals must also maintain an “awareness” that the clothes they wear will “create their character and public image”.

The fashion designer and stylist told Express.co.uk: “Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, as with other members of the royal family, have to be very deliberate within their styling choices; maintaining an awareness that they have to dress to create their character and public image, and not deviate from this.”

So, what does it mean for the team of stylists who are often on hand to guide the royals through picking their latest looks?

“As a stylist this reflects in choosing sophisticated styles that maintain the royal family’s role in leadership, at set examples of etiquette and modern femininity, and also an element of joie de vivre, romance and glamour,” she said.

That’s not all to consider though, as it seems that the entire process of the clothing coming together must be considered.

Good quality fabrics are a must it seems, as are insisting on good factory conditions for the workers.

While some high-street garments have been worn by royals in the past, Meghan Markle, Kate Middelton, and the rest of the Royal Family tend to step out in stunning designer outfits – often worth hundreds of pounds.

Perhaps then, the need for high quality clothing is the reason for this.

Holly said: “The fabrics must be of good quality, and a consideration of the supply chain involved in the garment creation must be appreciated – ensuring good factory conditions for the workers involved within the supply chain and a living wage to create a positive societal impact.

“The outfits should also be modest – no low cleavages, short skirts or translucent fabrics (making an excuse for Kate Middleton’s notorious black lace catwalk dress which captured the heart of the Duke of Cambridge) and also promote British values, and British fashion – driving the British economy.”

She went on to unveil the reason as to why bold colours and florals, or even more muted tones, are so popular amongst the Royal Family.

Holly said: “Jenny Packham is a very popular choice of the royals. Because they are photographed a lot, the royals will wear bold colours, or a minimal and neutral palette, or feminine florals – which creates a striking, chic effect and not tend to mix colours and this could look cluttered.

“Coats and dresses will be structured, classical and tailored to the body – rather than puffy or fluffy – and women will always wear a heel, and highlighting femininity, elegance and timeless style.”

Holly also suggested that Meghan, Kate, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Beatrice may opt for a secret style trick when stepping out in public.

“As they are photographed a lot, wearing simple block colours, accessorised with a nude or black heel lends film star glamour when viewed through a lens,” she explained.

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.