The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have touched down in Australia – and the Duchess has already offered up two fashion moments.
This may not be an official royal tour, but there’s still plenty of diplomatic dressing going on – that’s the practice of wearing clothes that pay homage to one’s host country or occasion. It’s something in which the Princess of Wales excels, as did the late Queen.
First up, for a visit to a Melbourne homeless shelter and children’s hospital, Meghan wore the navy “Priscilla” midi dress by Australian designer Karen Gee. The sleeveless tailored design featured gold buttons on the bodice, a belted waist, and a full skirt. The brand’s ethos is centred on “quiet luxury”, which is in line with Meghan’s personal style, and appropriate for the occasion. The outfit was completed by a pair of black leather Dior heels and a sleek ponytail.
Gold buttons and a tailored silhouette stayed true to Meghan’s ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic Credit: Jonathan Brady
Unlike the weeks of planning and packing that might precede a traditional royal tour, it appears that the Duchess chose the dress upon arrival in Melbourne. A press release from the brand read: “During her current visit to Australia in April 2026, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, personally selected pieces from Karen Gee’s luxury collection, continuing her longstanding appreciation of the brand.”
It’s unusual for a celebrity dressing announcement to share quite so much detail, suggesting that the collaboration might have more to it than a high-profile figure wearing a designer’s dress.
The choice of dress also serves as a nod to the couple’s first Australian tour in 2018, while they were still working royals, and during which they announced Meghan’s first pregnancy. On that visit, Meghan wore Gee’s “Blessed” dress, and demand surged to the extent that the brand’s website crashed.
Meghan turned to the brand for her first Australian tour in 2018 Credit: PHIL NOBLE
Designer Gee was thrilled to see Meghan wear her clothes once again. “To have Meghan Duchess of Sussex choose Karen Gee once again is incredibly special,” she said. “It is a true reflection of what we stand for, creating pieces that allow women to feel confident, considered, and completely themselves.”
Meghan changed into a second outfit for the couple’s visit to the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum: a khaki suede collarless jacket with matching pencil skirt from another Australian label, St Agni, teamed with a P Johnson (also Australian) sleeveless beige jumper and beige suede Aquazzura heels – an autumnal, tonal look, fitting for the current season in Melbourne.
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