The secret signals of Meghan Markle's £90,065 of collection of clothes and jewelry she wore for her faux royal tour of Colombia with Prince Harry

Indeed, the idea that "clothes talk" is especially true when you're in the public eye, and Meghan Markle understands this well. Throughout history, members of the British royal family have used their wardrobes to send subtle messages of diplomacy, respect, and solidarity. The late Queen Elizabeth II was a master of this, often choosing outfits that incorporated colors or motifs significant to the countries she visited. Princess Diana, too, followed in this tradition, using her fashion choices to build connections during her royal tours.

Meghan changed into a colourful printed jumpsuit for her second look of her Colombia Tour

Meghan, now navigating her own path outside the constraints of official royal duties, continues to use fashion as a form of communication. Her choices during the Colombia tour—whether through local designers, symbolic accessories, or the blending of high fashion with more accessible brands—demonstrate her understanding of the power that clothing holds. By doing so, she not only pays homage to her host country but also subtly signals her independence and evolving role on the global stage.

While Meghan Markle's tour of Colombia wasn't an official royal tour, it had all the hallmarks of one. The schedule was packed with the kind of engagements—school visits, walkabouts, meetings with local leaders—that we associate with royal tours, and Meghan's wardrobe played a crucial role in shaping the narrative, just as it would have if she were still a working royal.

Meghan's "tour-drobe" in Colombia followed many of the protocols that govern royal fashion on such trips. From diplomatic nods through local designers to the strategic use of colors and styles, her outfits were carefully curated to convey respect, purpose, and connection. This thoughtful approach to dressing is something her fans have come to expect and celebrate, with Instagram accounts and blogs meticulously documenting each look. The "Meghan effect"—whereby anything she wears tends to sell out—is still very much alive, proving that her influence in the fashion world remains strong.

Even though she may no longer be bound by the strict codes of royal dressing, Meghan's choices in Colombia show that she still understands and respects the power of sartorial diplomacy. She skillfully blended elements of traditional royal tour wardrobes with her own modern, independent style, making a statement that, while she has stepped back from royal duties, she hasn't stepped away from the thoughtful, impactful use of fashion.

Meghan Markle’s wardrobe on Day 1 of the Colombia tour exemplified her ability to blend traditional royal fashion elements with her own modern, independent style. For her arrival in Bogotá, she opted for a tailored co-ord set by Veronica Beard, signaling the seriousness of the trip while subtly asserting her freedom from the strict sartorial codes of royal protocol. The sleeveless jacket and trousers were a fresh take on the classic royal arrival outfit, with the waistcoat-style top adding a contemporary twist that allowed her to show off her shoulders—something she likely would have avoided as a working royal.

Meghan Markle proved her fashion prowess once again today as she stepped out in Colombia alongside Prince Harry to begin their four-day tour of the South American nation, wearing  Veronica Beard trousers, £448, and waistcoat, €598; handbag Loro Piana 'Loom' bag, £3,775; Manolo Blahnik court shoes, £595

Her choice of the £3,775 Loro Piana 'Loom' bag was another departure from typical royal accessories, favoring practicality over the tiny clutches usually seen on such tours. The larger bag suggested that Meghan is not just there for appearances; she’s working, possibly carrying essential items like a notebook or laptop, indicating that she’s deeply engaged in the trip’s purpose.

As the day progressed, Meghan’s outfit changes highlighted her mastery of diplomatic dressing while also embracing the freedom to push boundaries. Her change into a patterned jacquard dress by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz was a perfect nod to her host country. This choice exemplified classic diplomatic dressing, but the dress’s cut-out detail and front split also demonstrated Meghan's willingness to take risks and express her individuality—something that might have been frowned upon if she were still fulfilling royal duties.

Harry and Meghan at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogota. Johanna Ortiz dress, £1,595; necklace, Cartier, £12,800; watch 'Tank Francaise' Cartier, £21,400; shoes, Jimmy Choo, £675

Her final outfit of the day—a Victoria Beckham shirt paired with La Ligne trousers and Aquazzura shoes—showed a thoughtful balance between tradition and modernity. Re-wearing the Beckham shirt was a strategic move to avoid criticism for extravagance, a common concern for royals on tour, while her choice of shoes from a brand founded by a Colombian designer was a subtle nod to the country she was visiting.

At one point Meghan wore a shirt designed by her old friend Victoria Beckham while speaking at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota. Shirt, Victoria Beckham, £550; trousers, La Ligne, £220; shoes, £620, Aquazzura.

Meghan Markle's wardrobe on the second and third days of her Colombia tour continued to blend royal traditions with her own modern flair, reinforcing her status as a style icon with a message.

Day Two saw Meghan embracing local fashion with an ivory green and white skirt by Colombian brand Juan de Dios. This choice was a nod to her host country, a classic move in diplomatic dressing. Her subsequent change into Chanel's iconic two-tone pumps was a more daring departure from royal tradition. Typically, royal women avoid such recognizable designer pieces to maintain a sense of understated elegance and to avoid appearing too commercial. Meghan, however, has the freedom to make bolder choices, and she did so while still paying homage to her royal connections by wearing butterfly earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana. These earrings, along with Diana's gold Tank Francaise watch, served as subtle reminders of her royal past, balancing out her more contemporary choices.

Harry and Meghan each changed clothes between their morning and afternoon engagements. Juan De Dios Amaime silk martello midi skirt in ivory green chintz, £347. Sarah Hendler spear dangle stud earrings in emerald and sapphires - £1,733

Meghan looked sophisticated in black high-waisted cigarettes pants, which paired with a white button-up business shirt with one button at the top left undone, tucked in. Jacket, Loro Piana, £2,800; Princess Diana's butterfly earrings; slingbacks, Chanel, £910; Cartier watch and Cartier love bangle, as before

Prince Harry and Meghan joined Vice President Francia Márquez for a luncheon on the second day of their trip. Oscar De La Renta gown in Cerulean blue - likely bespoke and thought to be at least £4,000. Aquazurra heels. Logan Hollowell baby reverse warer drop diamond tennis necklace - £9,786

Day Three brought another example of diplomatic dressing with a wide-brimmed hat by Colombian designer Hannia Char, worn during a visit to Cartagena. Meghan paired the hat with two different outfits: a coordinated black top and skirt by Johanna Ortiz, followed by a more casual white ensemble with sandals for a village visit. The choice of sandals, typically avoided by royal women due to an unspoken rule against open-toe shoes, further underscored Meghan’s independence from traditional royal expectations. Her ability to mix formal and casual elements in a way that feels both respectful and authentic highlights her unique position as someone who understands royal protocol but is no longer bound by it.

The Sussexes packed in a busy schedule on their trip - with Meghan looking very stylish each step of the way. Pictured in a £1,700 design by Ortiz. Top £804 and matching maxi skirt, £1,272, Johanna Ortiz Resort collection 2025; bag, Cesta Collective, £588; sandals, £620, Aquazzura; jewellery featuring Archie and Lilibet's initials, Ariel Gordon, £1,540.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked loved up as they held hands while visiting traditional Afro-Caribbean village, San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday. Sleeveless ribbed top, Argent, £120; linen skirt 'Emma' Posse, £204; shoes, 'Cecilia' Emme Parsons €370; sunglasses, Ray-Ban £155; hat Hannia Char, £100

Day Four continued this blend of high and low fashion, tradition and modernity. At a women's empowerment forum, Meghan wore a sleeveless shirt from Mango, a high street brand, paired with a sequined skirt by Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi. The combination of an affordable top with a high-end, locally designed skirt exemplified Meghan’s ability to connect with a wide audience, from fashion enthusiasts to everyday women. Her choice of earrings, a gift from the Colombian vice-president and handmade by artisans, added a personal and culturally significant touch to the outfit.

Meghan Markle (pictured) looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps. Sleeveless shirt, £26, Mango; sequin skirt, £1,634, Silvia Tcherassi; pink suede court shoes, £595, Manolo Blahnik; bracelet, £28,000, Lorraine Schwartz; Cartier watch and love bangle as before

Meghan, Harry, Colombia Vice President Francia Marquez and her husband Yerney Pinillo are all smiles at the Petronio Music Festival. Green print dress, Andres Otalora, £689

Later that day, she wore a green printed dress by Andres Otalora, a now sold-out piece that once again showcased Colombian fashion. This outfit choice for a music festival highlighted Meghan's commitment to supporting local designers and her understanding of the importance of fashion in cultural diplomacy.

Throughout the tour, Meghan’s wardrobe choices reflected her experience as a former working royal while also embracing the freedom that comes with her new role. She skillfully utilized the "tourdrobe" tactics she learned during her time in the Royal Family—diplomatic dressing, symbolic jewelry, and a mix of high and low fashion—while also asserting her individuality and independence. This approach speaks volumes about how she and Prince Harry are navigating their lives as "quasi-royals," blending tradition with their own modern, purposeful path.

Even though Meghan may no longer be a working royal, her meticulously curated wardrobe proves that she still understands the power of fashion and its ability to communicate respect, values, and identity on the global stage.