Meghan Markle Wore A Sheer Dress To The Queen's Christmas Lunch
Duchess Meghan Markle's headline-making fashion choices are continuing to turn heads this holiday season.
On Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, the Duchess of Sussex looked as stunning as ever when she arrived at Queen Elizabeth II's traditional Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace in a sheer black, floral-printed dress designed by Erdem, Pure Wow reports.
According to the Today show, the former Suits actress' latest fashion statement, which she paired with white gold diamond earrings from Galanterie de Cartier, appears to be a repeat. Markle wore the same ensemble during her appearance on the morning show back in January 2016.
Fans of the British royal family may already be aware that Markle's recent Erdem look, however recycled, marked a departure from one of her go-to designers over the last year — Givenchy. As Nicki Swift previously reported, Markle, 37, donned a gorgeous white Givenchy gown during her wedding to husband Prince Harry, 34, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2018. Since then, the duchess has opted for this brand on multiple occasions, more recently including a navy blue Givenchy coat and dress outfit at Princess Eugenie of York's nuptials to her longtime love, Jack Brooksbank, in October 2018.
In related news, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent Christmas Day with Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton following rumors of an ongoing feud. These reports were only fueled last month amid reports that the Sussexes planned to split from the Cambridges by moving out of Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage on Windsor Estate (via People). It should be noted that following weeks of similar bad press, including Markle's alleged treatment of key staff members and Prince William's reported concern over his younger brother's choice in a wife, Markle allegedly acquired the unflattering nickname of "Duchess Difficult" from royal staffers.
Earlier this month, a Kensington Palace rep spoke out against speculation surrounding brewing tensions between the royal couples, telling The Sun, "None of this is true." However, royal expert Katie Nicholl later told Entertainment Tonight, "For Christmas Day at least, William and Harry are going to have to bury the hatchet, put a few wobbles behind them. It's not like they're not talking — they're still incredibly close as brothers — [but] there have been fallouts, there has been tension." She added, "Christmas is a good time for goodwill and forgiveness, so let's hope we see the princes do just that."
According to E! News, the recently coined Royal Fab Four were indeed all smiles on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 25, while walking together to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham through the English countryside. During the family holiday outing, Markle showed off her growing baby bump while pairing a navy blue Victoria Beckham coat with black boots — just weeks following surprising reports that the duchess has rarely donned her famous pal's brand.
After greeting onlookers and attending the church service, the royal family were said to have gathered for lunch at the queen's estate in Sandringham, before watching her annual Christmas speech to the nation, as reported by the Daily Mail.
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"Closer to home, it has been a busy year for my family," Queen Elizabeth II said at one point during her address (via Time). She went on to joke, "With two weddings and two babies, and another child expected soon, it helps to keep a grandmother well occupied."
In addition to Markle and Prince Harry's nuptials, as well as Princess Eugenie's marriage to Jack Brooksbank, Kate Middleton and Prince William welcomed baby no. 3, a son named Prince Louis, in April 2018. The royal couple are also mom and dad to Prince George, 5, and Princess Charlotte, 3. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in mid-October that they are expecting the arrival of their first child together in the spring of 2019.
After sharing this sweet nod to her ever-expanding family, the 92-year-old Queen of England shared some wisdom with her royal subjects while making a call for tolerance amid the ongoing sociopolitical tensions stemming from Brexit. "Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal comfort and reassurance," she said, adding, "Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards a greater understanding."
We're glad to see that despite an admittedly difficult few weeks, Meghan Markle was able to enjoy the holidays with her new extended family.