Royal fashion choices often spark debate, and Meghan Markle’s latest appearance at a charity event is no exception. While some praised her bold style, others found it controversial. What many may not realize, though, is how this fashion moment connects her to Princess Catherine in an unexpected way.
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Meghan Markle made a stunning entrance at a children’s charity gala, dressed in an eye-catching red gown. The sleek dress, designed with thin straps and a daring plunging neckline, hugged her figure, highlighting her refined style.
Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The “Suits” alum paired the gown with matching red open-toe heels that complemented the outfit perfectly. Meghan kept her makeup minimal, allowing her natural glow to take center stage, and styled her hair in loose, flowing waves.
Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
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Although her appearance was elegant, her choice of attire sparked a heated debate among online commenters. Several social media users expressed their disapproval of Meghan’s dress.
One user commented, “If I was a person sponsoring this event, I would have escorted her out of this function, which is supporting children , wearing a dress like that. How inappropriate [sic].”
Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Another wrote, “Did she come straight from the beach [?]” echoing the sentiment that her outfit seemed out of place for a children’s charity event. Others continued to criticize the appropriateness of the dress, with one user remarking, “Not an appropriate dress at a children’s event [sic].”
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Paul S. Viviano on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
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“To children’s gala. Very revealing dress. To children’s gala [sic],” noted yet another netizen. The reactions didn’t stop there, as another disgruntled individual added, “Nothing right about that!!!!! For a visit to a children’s event – I don’t think so. That dress was bad enough the first time!!!!!”
Meghan Markle on October 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The Surprising Link Between Meghan and Catherine’s Dresses
Meghan’s choice of outfit may have caused a stir, but there’s something interestingly common between her red dress and Princess Catherine’s white gown. Despite the stark differences in the events they attended, both outfits have managed to capture widespread attention and become talking points for royal fashion enthusiasts.
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Kate, 42, known for her sustainable fashion choices, made headlines for a very different reason when she recycled her white Alexander McQueen gown at the 2023 BAFTA Awards. The Princess of Wales first wore the stunning gown in 2019 to the same event.
Princess Catherine on February 10, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The dress, cut from white silk chiffon, featured a one-shoulder design with Grecian drapes, transforming her into an ethereal vision as she walked the red carpet alongside her husband, Prince William.
In 2019, the gown was adorned with floral embellishments on the shoulder and accessorized with a white clutch and silver heels. The outfit was celebrated for its elegance, inspiring many bridal fashion ideas.
Prince William and Princess Catherine on February 10, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
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However, in 2023, Catherine brought the gown back with a refreshed and modern twist. She removed the floral embellishments and added a flowing fabric pinned to the shoulder, giving the dress a sleeker and more sophisticated look.
Prince William and Princess Catherine on February 19, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
In addition to updating the dress, Catherine introduced bold new accessories, such as black velvet gloves, which created a striking contrast to the white silk. To complete her look, she wore gold sequin Aquazzura Fenix pumps and oversized floral earrings from Zara, mixing high fashion with affordable accessories.
Catherine’s decision to recycle the Alexander McQueen gown emphasizes her commitment to sustainability in fashion, as she has often been praised for re-wearing outfits at public events. This practice not only reflects her eco-conscious mindset but also reinforces the timeless appeal of the dress.
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Princess Catherine on February 19, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle Follows the Eco-Friendly Trend
Interestingly, Meghan, 43, has also embraced the eco-friendly trend, similar to Princess Catherine. At the recent Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala on October 5, 2024, Meghan opted to recycle the red Carolina Herrera gown she previously wore in 2021.
The Duchess of Sussex had originally worn the stunning gown at the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York City, which honored veterans at the Intrepid Museum.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on November 10, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
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The gown, designed with a deep plunging neckline and a front slit, was a bold choice, much like her appearance at the children’s event. In 2021, Meghan wore the same gown with a sweeping red train, paired with red heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. She and Prince Harry also wore red poppies, a symbol of remembrance for military members who lost their lives in war.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on November 10, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
However, at the CHLA Gala, Meghan’s look was slightly updated—this time, the dramatic train was missing, creating a more streamlined appearance. Despite the absence of the train, the former actress still looked stunning as she posed for photos on the red carpet, wearing red strappy heels and a beaming smile.