Meghan Markle Proves She's Free From Royal Style Rules With 'Inappropriate' Australia Trip 'Fit
During their work trip Down Under in April 2026, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle jammed their schedule full of appearances, and to the excitement of fashion followers, plenty of outfit changes. On the first day of the Australia trip, Meghan Markle delivered outfits that felt royally out of touch and outdated. On the second day, she proved that she no longer has to abide by the style rules decreed (or silently expected) by the royal family.
In Melbourne, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a panel for the Nexus Summit, which brings prominent names together to discuss solutions for global issues. Her all-black outfit featured a shoulder-baring top, reportedly from Aussie label Beare Park. (The merino wool piece retails for approximately $258 at the time of writing.) When she was a working member of the royal family, this kind of skin display would've been headline worthy. Also, her open-toed sandals would've raised a few etiquette experts' eyebrows. Her footwear, reportedly from Emme Parsons (and now sold out), didn't please onlookers either. One X critic wrote, "She should NEVER be given a mic...or open-toed shoes." Another agreed, writing, "Manky toes out no-one wants to see," accompanied by a vomiting emoji.
When Meghan Markle's shoulders caused a reaction
Meghan Markle's post-royal fashion is a glimpse into her bright future, at least as far as her outfit choices are concerned. The mother-of-two no longer has to get flack from the Firm if her looks aren't in the vein of the expected royal protocol. One of the big rules is that modesty should be observed, and even though plenty of female royals have worn off-the-shoulder looks, Meghan Markle's 2018 Trooping the Colour outfit was labeled inappropriate by royal standards.
At the event, a royal tradition where the sovereign's birthday is celebrated with a parade, the newlywed duchess arrived in bespoke Carolina Herrera. The dusty-pink dress sat on the upper arm, exposing the "Suits" star's clavicles. And the critics had comments to post. "Someone needs to tell Meghan that off the shoulder is a bit much for this event," wrote one X user. One of the most valid points is that it didn't feel like daywear. That's true; when Kate Middleton has worn off-the-shoulder looks, it's been for more formal, evening occasions. But now when Megs wants to show her collar bones at breakfast or a dress that exposes a bit of side-boob, as she did earlier in April 2026, the actor can do just that.