In 2018, during a solo engagement at the Mersey Gateway Bridge, Meghan Markle experienced a moment of etiquette uncertainty. The Duchess of Sussex reportedly struggled with transport protocols while accompanying the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The 'You go first' moment at Mersey Gateway Bridge
The 2018 outing to the Mersey Gateway Bridge was a significant milestone, marking Meghan's first royal engagement without Prince Harry. The pair had arrived at Runcorn Station via the Royal Train before heading to meet community representatives and architects. While the Duchess appeared to have mastered fashion and curtsying, the transition from the ceremony to their vehicle proved tricky.
As the report notes, Meghan appeared hesitant about whether to lead or follow the monarch toward their car. to resolve the confusion, she reportedly asked the Queen, "What is your preference?" to which Her Majesty responded, "You go first." At the time, the late Queen was dressed in a lime green ensemble by Stewart Parvin and a hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan, while Meghan opted for a more understated cream Givenchy pencil dress.
A strategic pivot to camel, beige, and white
Meghan Markle's wardrobe choices were a calculated part of her strategy to navigate the complexities of royal life. In her Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, the Duchess explained that she intentionally chose neutral tones to avoid clashing with senior royals. She expressed a desire to "blend in" rather than stand out, specifically to avoid embarrassing the family.
According to the Duchess's own account in the docuseries, she focused on colors that the royal family was unlikely to wear. She specifically mentioned choosing shades like camel, beige, and white to ensure she did not compete with the Queen or other high-ranking members of the family during group events. This approach was a deliberate attempt to conform to the unwritten rules of the monarchy.
From Givenchy cream to The Fold London mahogany
The Duchess's fashion evolution has maintained a consistent focus on muted, monochromatic tones. Following her Givenchy look at the Mersey Gateway Bridge, her recent appearances have continued this trend of understated elegance. For instance, during a recent visit to Nottingham, she paired a rich mahogany Joseph high-neck jumper with a plum midi pencil skirt by The Fold London.
Even in more casual settings, Meghan has leaned into this aesthetic. She has been spotted elevating sipmle looks, such as pairing a black Marks & Spencer blazer with jeans for a quiet lunch. This preference for neutral hues seems to be a long-standing habit developed during her time as a working royal in the UK.
Did the 'blending in' strategy actually ease royal tensions?
Several questions remain regarding the effectiveness of Meghan's "blending in" approach. While the Duchess stated her goal was to avoid embarrassment,the source does not provide insight into how the senior royals actually perceived her wardrobe choices. It remains unverified whether her attempt to be inconspicuous was viewed as a sign of respect or if it was seen as a lack of engagement with her role.
Additionally, the report does not clarify if these fashion decisions helped mitigate the protocol slips, such as the car incident, or if the tension between personal style and royal tradition was an inevitable part of her transition into the family.
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