Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s whirlwind trip to Nigeria was undoubtedly priceless, but it certainly came at a cost. Because even though the three-day trip seems to have been so meaningful for the Duchess of Sussex, the timing did mean she missed out on spending Mother’s Day with her kids Prince Archie, 5 and Princess Lilibet, 2.
But that doesn’t mean she didn’t have them at the forefront of her mind.
Markle clearly packed with her kiddos in mind and made a Mother’s Day fashion statement that was a nod to her little ones. The American Riviera Orchard founder wore a bright yellow Carolina Herrera gown on Mother’s Day that was made for her when she was pregnant with her eldest, per People. She has since reached for the flowing garment on meaningful occasions — wearing it on Prince Archie’s first birthday and when she and Prince Harry revealed she was pregnant with their daughter Lilibet Diana.
How special is that? So it’s no wonder she wore it on Mother’s Day when she was an ocean away from her kiddos. In a video posted on TikTok, the Duchess of Sussex spoke about what it meant to be at the State Governor House in Lagos on the holiday.
“I am very, very grateful, I am very humbled, and today is Mother’s Day,” she said. “So it feels appropriate, but though of course we are missing our children, I’m missing my babies, but it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family … I’m very grateful and we can’t wait to come back.”
While we think this look was beautiful (both in style and sentiment), a different outfit choice earlier in the trip caused quite a stir. On Friday, Markle wore a stunning peach gown from Heidi Merrick that’s known as the “Windsor” dress. Users on X (formerly Twitter) certainly had thoughts on what (if any) message she was sending by choosing a dress that’s named after the town that houses the cottage that her family was evicted from after she and Prince Harry stepped down as senior members of the royal family.
“Im convinced she is doing this on purpose at this point,” one person tweeted. “Infamy is her goal – not approval.”
“That’s just silly. She probably isn’t even aware of the ‘name’ of the dress. Since when do dresses have names anyway,” another said.
And I for one — as someone who definitely doesn’t own anything fancy enough to have a name — don’t believe the Duchess is choosing looks to throw shade. To look radiant? Yes. To send a sweet and subtle message to her kids? Of course. But choosing her outfits to give a fashionable eff you? I don’t see it. (Even if it would be kind of hilarious.)
Before you go, check out 20 precious photos that prove Princess Diana’s commitment to motherhood over royalty.
