Meghan Markle vs Duchess of Sussex style: Royal 'taking different approach' after wedding

Prince Harry, 34, and Meghan Markle, 37, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced their engagement to the world on November 27 last year.

The pair tied the knot several months later, in May, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Now, the couple are expecting their first child together – which is due in the spring next year.

From joining the royal family to announcing her pregnancy, the Duchess of Sussex’s life has changed – as have her wardrobe choices. So, what are the differences?

An expert in the industry has studied how the retired actor’s outfits have changed over time, and shared her thoughts exclusively with Express.co.uk.

So, what did Melita Latham – a fashion designer, stylist, and owner of the luxury travel brand Melita Latham London – have to say?

“From American Actress, to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has undergone a huge transformation in both her life and her fashion choices,” Melita commented.

“The Duchess’ style has changed over the last few years, and though the last year has had a lot to do with royal protocol, I think she’s experimenting with style to find one that fits.

“Meghan has had a lot of changes in her life, especially in the last few years. In the US, when working on Suits, she was very much the all American girl.”

Expanding on what she meant, Melita explained: “Her style was very sleek, chic, relaxed and simple, consisting of mainly trousers, blouses and dresses.

“Then being thrust into the Royal spotlight, all eyes have been on her. Meghan has had to make huge changes.

“Not only as she had to deal with, and meet royal protocol, including wearing tights and selecting colours to honour visiting countries and the common wealth, there is also a huge difference in both UK and American fashion, which I’m sure has been an adjustment.”

The fashion designer said there’s more of a “stiffer” style in the UK as opposed to across the pond.

What’s more, she added: “That, paired with royal protocol, can’t be easy to adjust to.

“And on top of this, from the off Meghan has constantly been compared with The Duchess of Cambridge and I’m sure that these comparisons will very much continue as Meghan’s pregnancy develops and after giving birth.”

So, will Meghan’s style ever revert to that of her acting days? According to Melita, that’s unlikely.

“It’s very obvious that outfits worn during Meghan’s acting days are off the table and the days of ‘party’ outfits are behind her,” she said.

“Mini skirts, short dresses and low cut tips are very much a no no from the Queen.

“But the Duchess still oozes style and sophistication and is the first royal that we have seen to go to events in trousers, and more relaxed attire, and she still manages to keep it stylish.”

Melita continued: “The young royals are changing the way we perceive the royal family, and like Catherine Middleton, who has changed both law and tradition, Meghan is paving the way for a less rigid appearance.

“I’m sure that she has probably had a lot of say in her style choices and we know that she’s defied the Queen a couple of times in the outfits she’s stepped out in.

“But Meghan has a quirky way of doing things – we saw this with her wedding dress, and her something blue was a piece of the outfit she wore when Harry proposed sewn into the dress – just lovely!

“I think at the moment, she is trying to find her identity and she is taking a much different approach to Kate and other royals. She won’t always get it right, but I don’t think she’s trying to be perfect.

“We will see more changes over the next few years as she settles more into her role, and approaches motherhood and larger responsibilities.

“She is taking everything in her stride and Prince Harry, I’m sure is holding her hand as she continues to find her way.”

So, what can we expect in the future when it comes to the Duchess of Sussex’s ensembles?

Fashion expert Melita seems eager to find out what’s to come, telling Express.co.uk: “I for one, am excited to see the array of dresses she’ll parade during her pregnancy.

“And I’m certain her style will mature when she becomes a mother. I think we are yet to see the best of Meghan’s style, and I hope she never loses her US influence within her fashion choices.

“Either way, it will be great watching the ongoing fashion evolution.”

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