The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have travelled to Australia as private citizens

Meghan Markle made a nod to her time as a working member of the Royal Family with her fashion choice in Australia today.

The Duchess of Sussex touched down in Melbourne on Monday evening alongside Prince Harry, marking the start of their four-day Australian tour eight years after their first visit.

For her opening engagement, the mother-of-two selected a sleeveless navy dress from Sydney-based designer Karen Gee, the very same label she wore upon arriving in Australia back in October 2018.

The brand confirmed that Meghan personally chose the piece from their luxury collection after landing in Melbourne.

Meghan Markle makes nod to her time as a working royal with surprise choice

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She completed the polished ensemble with court shoes from Dior and heart-shaped earrings from Real Fine Studio, maintaining her signature approach to understated elegance.

Ms Gee herself took to Instagram to express what the duchess’s continued patronage means to her business.

The designer wrote: “Since her first visit in 2018, a genuine relationship has been built over time, and to see her choose Karen Gee again is something I don’t take lightly.

“That kind of continued support means so much, it speaks to trust, consistency, and a shared appreciation for timeless and considered pieces.”

Meghan Markle pictured in Australia in 2026

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The founder added that watching a woman return to her designs years later serves as “a quiet reminder of why I started. To create pieces women can rely on time and time again.”

Later in the afternoon, Meghan switched into a suede skirt and jacket combination from St. Agni.

This is another Australian label, which the duchess paired with a jumper from Melbourne-based tailoring house P. Johnson.

Meghan Markle pictured in Australia in 2018

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Meghan Markle accessorised with Cartier jewellery

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REUTERS

The 44-year-old swapped her Dior heels for Aquazzura pumps and chose a different pair of Real Fine Studio earrings to complete the look.

The outfit changes underscore Meghan’s deliberate approach to diplomatic dressing, a practice she has maintained even since departing from official royal duties.

Speaking to the New York Times in 2024, she explained her philosophy: “Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting.”