Meghan showed off a stunning array of clothes and jewels during the visit (Image: Getty)
Meghan Markle signalled she “still feels like a royal” after she showed off an impressive array of stunning outfits and jewellery during her first abroad tour since stepping down as a working royal, an expert claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex kicked off her 72-hour visit to Nigeria with a £450 peach-coloured maxi dress by American designer Heidi Merrick paired with vintage gold earrings and a matching gold necklace worth £1,453.20 and a £50,000 Lorraine Schwartz ring.
She completed the outfit with a £4,391.86 diamond hex tennis bracelet and a £20,824.70 golden yellow Tank Française watch.
Her first outfit change included a white tailored blazer by Altuzarra which retails for £1,273 and matching trousers worth £460.
Royal expert Jennie Bond questioned her decision to show off such an expensive wardrobe during the visit, noting her fashion picks suggest she still feels the need to dress like a royal.
The Duchess looked radiant in her Heidi Merrick peach maxi dress on the first day of the visit (Image: Getty)
Bond said: “I personally have a bit of a problem with Meghan or anyone, including members of the Royal Family, wearing such expensive outfits and dripping with jewels that are worth thousands and thousands of pounds when you’re going somewhere like Nigeria.
“Personally, I don’t see how you do that, it feels a bit out of tune when most Nigerians are thinking where the next meal is going to come from. But it’s not only Meghan who does that, the royals do as well.”
As of 2023, an estimated 87 million Nigerians live below the poverty line – the second-largest poor population in the world after India.
Speaking to Times Radio, the expert added: “Perhaps Meghan felt that was what was expected of her because she does still feel royal even though she doesn’t want to be part of the royals.
“I find that a bit odd personally, but she looked great.”
Over the three-day visit, Meghan donned a £2,275.36 Johanna Ortiz black and white printed dress to attend a volleyball match in aid of the local charity Nigeria Unconquered.
She paired up the dress with black leather sandals (£359.27), Heidi Merrick sunglasses (£179.65) and gold disc earrings (2,592.96).
The Duchess of Sussex also paid tribute to late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales as she was spotted wearing her diamond cross necklace for an evening fete in her and Harry’s honour.
