Meghan Markle may have had a rocky journey into royalty, but there is one tradition she took to like a duck to water: communicating to the world through her wardrobe. Just like her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, Markle is a master in the age-old art of dressing with meaning, and her latest outfit may tell us where she stands with the royal family.
Stepping out with her friend in her new hometown of Montecito, the Duchess of Sussex donned a polished casual look for a lunchtime outing (see photos here). With the sun out, she opted for a black long-sleeve t-shirt with belted khaki short shorts. She accessorised with a striped black and white canvas tote from Cesta Collective, classic black sunglasses and Valentino Tan-Go flats.
Most notable about the otherwise simple ensemble was her addition of a red poppy pin.
As many will know, the red poppy is a symbol that has been used since 1921 to commemorate fallen soldiers. Though it is used in the US for Memorial Day in May, it is primarily used in the UK and Commonwealth countries for Remembrance Day on November 11. Her sporting of the poignant pin seemingly communicates a connection she still holds with the British royal family, as the day is a significant focus for working royals. Despite tensions between her husband, Prince Harry, and his family back in the UK, the small gesture feels like a token of support from across the pond.
Markle also wore the accessory last Wednesday when she and Prince Harry surprised veterans and service members with their company during a series of visits ahead of Veterans Day in the US. As Prince Harry spent a decade in the British Army, a time that involved being deployed for two operational tours of Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller in 2007/08 and as an Apache Pilot between September 2012 and January 2013, the day is important to the family.
The former Suits actress has also adorned the special piece multiple times during her time as an active working royal for various celebrations and mourning ceremonies.
