The world watched in fascination as Meghan Marklea transformed in an instant from a bohemian yoga-loving actress to an elegant royal.
In 2017, when she became Prince Harry’s fiancé, everything changed for the American TV star.
The Duchess of Sussex quickly evolved her iconic style — which spanned from her wardrobe, hair and even fingernail color — to adhere to royal suitability.
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Suddenly, the former To grab star wore fascinators and monochromatic dresses with tights, and would rarely be seen without a matching jacket.
Meghan’s metamorphosis from light-hearted celebrity to stoic royal seemed to come at a price.
The Duchess was forced to shut down her popular lifestyle blog, the Tiger, and she could no longer work as an actress.
She followed royal protocol and remained neutral on politics and divisive subjects and perfected the “duchess slant” when she sat down.
Being a senior member of the royal family was a full-time job, and Meghan had to abide by every age-old royal rule.
That is, until one day in January 2020. Meghan and Harry made history by announcing that they were step down as senior royals and become financially independent.
READ MORE:How Prince Harry and Meghan’s Royal Departure Unfolded: A Timeline
Meghan would keep her title of Duchess of Sussex, but she was no longer officially royal.
After living and breathing the monarchy for three years, it was a new dawn for the Duchess.
On her first appearance after announcing her plans to step down as a working royal, Meghan returned to the public eye in an electric blue dress from Victoria Beckham’s label, a pair of stilettos and her hair in a low ponytail.
It was a subtle change, but Meghan’s haircut — which was unusual for the former royal, who preferred updos and soft curls when she was a member of the monarchy — marked the beginning of her de-transformation.
Meghan’s style became much more relaxed in the months that followed. In August 2020, she wore a straw hat, a simple white t-shirt and matching white pants for a backyard chat with feminist Gloria Steinem†
During this conversation, Meghan spoke about the importance of voting ahead of the 2020 presidential election. This was a political move that the Duchess usually avoided during her time as a senior royal.
READ MORE:Two Years Later: How Harry and Meghan’s Lives Have Changed Since Their Royal Departure
In November 2020, Meghan broke barriers in more ways than just her style.
The Duchess broke the stigma surrounding pregnancy loss due to the devastating news that she had a miscarriage†
In her own words, Meghan shared the “pain and sorrow” of the loss of her third child, exposing raw emotions that were rare to see from a royal, former or not.
Her impressive essay, titled ‘The losses we share’left a resounding impression and paved the way for women to talk about pregnancy loss.
While enjoying life as a citizen back home in the US, Meghan adopted a new street style that was far removed from her royal wardrobe.
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She wore jeans, khaki pants, baseball caps and linen pants. Meghan also rediscovered the joy of denim, a fabric that royals rarely wear.
Meghan also had a newfound ability to display her political affiliations through fashion. In October 2020, she wore a blue “RBG” t-shirt in honor of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
She also donned a t-shirt with the words “The future is female” printed on it during a video recording with Prince Harry in 2021†
Meghan also re-imagined her classic “boho” style at public gatherings and for photo shoots.
For her and Harry’s pregnancy announcementthe duchess wore a maternity “nap dress” with an off-the-shoulder design.
READ MORE:From divorces to all-encompassing interviews, the controversies that have challenged the Queen as monarch and mother
As Meghan and Harry built new careers as advocates, philanthropists and content creators, she used style to portray herself as a businesswoman.
It was powersuit season for Meghan as she toured New York City and during her… 2022 Invictus Games appearances.
Abbey Booth, founder of ‘Stories With Clothes’, told… express.co.uk Meghan used her power suits to message her about her newfound ambitions.
Abbey explains: “Meghan Markle loves tailoring and prefers chic, elegant styles that evoke her classic personality.
“In recent years, she has experimented with more free-flowing pieces, including floral prints and embellishments that symbolize her new life and freedom from the constraints of a working royal.”
READ MORE:How the Queen broke new ground in Australia and paved the way for future royal visits
Without following a royal dress code, Meghan has forged her own path with her subtle yet important outfit choices.
No longer constrained by the strict guidelines of the monarchy, the former royal has slowly but surely returned to her old style – but with a whole new meaning.
Most recently, Meghan attended Prince Harry’s polo match in Santa Barbara and seemed to be her 2015 self again.
The Duchess wore a bold red lipstick, floppy hat and polka dot blouse, paired with shorts.
READ MORE:How the Duchess of Cambridge is preparing to become Queen Consort
It wasn’t an exceptionally outlandish outfit for Meghan, but it symbolized how much she’s moved on from her brief but extraordinary time in the royal spotlight.
And it seems Meghan is looking to revive many aspects of her old life, after reports emerged that she hoped reactivate her lifestyle brand the Tigo†
It’s only been just over two years since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as royals, so there’s a lot more chance for Meghan to prove just how much she’s changed.
Her outfit choices at the Platinum Jubilee could be yet another way for Meghan to send a clear message about her departure from the royals.
What better way to change your life than through fashion?
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Royal relationship Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the picture
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