24 May 2024 , 06:00
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It's been more than four years since Meghan Markle quit being a member of the Frim - but she still showed all the signs of being a royal during a recent high-profile tour with Prince Harry, according to an expert.
The Sussexes recently embarked on a three-day visit to Nigeria. But they have faced scrutiny for organising a trip that had all the hallmarks of a royal tour - despite no longer being part of the Firm. Meghan is estimated to have spent around £120,000 on new outfits and jewels for the brief trip. And it raised eyebrows amongst royal watchers.
Meghan kicked off her 72-hour visit to Nigeria with a £450 peach-coloured maxi dress by Heidi Merrick, vintage gold earrings, and a matching gold necklace worth £1,453 and a £50,000 Lorraine Schwartz ring. She completed the outfit with a £4,391 diamond hex tennis bracelet and a £20,824 golden yellow Tank Française watch.
Expert Jennie Bond questioned her need to wear such an expensive outfit during the visit. She told Times Radio: "Perhaps Meghan felt that was what was expected of her because she does still feel royal even though she doesn't want to be part of the royals. I find that a bit odd personally, but she looked great."
She later noted: "I personally have a bit of a problem with Meghan or anyone, including members of the Royal Family, wearing such expensive outfits and dripping with jewels that are worth thousands and thousands of pounds when you're going somewhere like Nigeria.
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"Personally, I don't see how you do that, it feels a bit out of tune when most Nigerians are thinking where the next meal is going to come from. But it's not only Meghan who does that, the royals do as well."
Harry and Meghan are keen to embark on more tours in the future, with reports stating they have been invited to other countries. But it will only serve to further the distance between the couple and the British royals. A former staffer told the Daily Beast: "Overseas visits might look like jollies, but they are actually a matter of foreign policy. They are about promoting the U.K. and building diplomatic and trade alliances on behalf of the government.
"Harry and Meghan have different priorities because they are no longer working royals. But of course the vast majority of the is ignorant of such distinctions and regard Harry and Meghan as every bit as representative of the royal family as William and Charles, so if these rival foreign tours become a regular thing, it could muddy the waters."