Meghan Markle’s Christening Dress For Prince Louis Broke Royal Protocol—But We Think It Was So Chic

When looking back at Meghan Markle‘s most stunning style moments, it’s hard to forget her olive green Ralph Lauren dress worn to Prince Louis’ 2018 christening ceremony. In light of Markle’s latest 2022 “Archetypes” podcast episode in which she discussed her Nigerian heritage, many royal fans are remembering iconic outfits of hers that centered around the color green (with green and white being the two colors on the Nigerian flag).

While supporting her nephew a few years back, Markle’s ensemble not only looked chic, but also seemed to break royal protocol for christening wear, as Express UK notes, since it went against the “blue color scheme that was preferred by relatives including Louis’ grandmother Carole Middleton, aunt Pippa Middleton and big sister Princess Charlotte.” The outlet added that other members of the party at that event, such as Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla chose to wear “neutral tones in white and cream,” with Markle being the sole guest in olive green.

The publication also writes that green is “thought to be one of the most calming colors there is, while her exact shade, olive green, represents the traditional color of peace.” Green is also known to connote love and nurture, Express UK points out, “as well as a love of family and nature,” and it appears that Markle’s intention was to bring positivity to her nephew’s special occasion with the significant hue.

Markle’s curve-hugging, tailored piece emphasized her tiny waist with the help of a thin, darker green belt, and its below-the-knee hemline would have definitely been approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II (known to choose garments that were never shorter than this). Markle’s husband Prince Harry looked dapper in a classic blue suit while walking beside his wife.

The dress also featured a look that Markle has rocked many times, a classy bateau neckline, as well as elegant mid-length, flowy sleeves. The former Suits actress completed her look with a matching fascinator by Stephen Jones, as well as timeless Manolo Blahnik suede pumps in the same shade.

While other women members of the royal family may have historically opted for bright colors (and still do!), it’s worth noting that Markle usually chose neutral or muted hues for public events and occasions when she still worked as a royal. In an interview with The Daily Mail, fashion consultant Lucas Armitage explained that Markle’s choice of wearing nude tones was done out of a “show of respect” for Her Late Majesty.

“Meghan has opted for a neutral color once again. I feel this is a clever styling tactic as it will always work with the Queen’s look; she is known and applauded for her use of bright fun colors,”Armitage previously told the publication. He added, “I would be shocked if Meghan ever opted for a bold color, although it’s interesting to note in her previous life she was a fan of bright hues.” And this holds true to this day— in her more recent style icon moments, Markle’s fans will know that she still tends to go for earth tones or more subtle, less flashy pieces and colors.

For her October 25th “Archetypes” podcast episode, “Upending the ‘Angry Black Woman’ Myth” on Spotify, Markle sat down with guest, comedian Ziwe Fumudoh to discuss their shared Nigerian ancestry and false, damaging stereotypes often imposed on Black women.

Markle notably revealed to Fumudoh, who is Nigerian-American, that she learned more about her heritage with the help of a genealogy test. “I just had my genealogy done a couple of years ago, I’m 43 percent Nigerian,” the Duchess of Sussex, 41, told Fumudoh, 30.

Fumudoh then shouted in surprise and delight, “No way!” She went on, “Are you serious? This is huge. Igbo, Yoruba, do we know?”Markle then told her guest and podcast listeners, “I’m going to start to dig deeper into all of this.” She added that “anyone I’ve told, especially Nigerian women, are just like, what?” (Perhaps Markle’s many gorgeous green pieces and style moments pay homage to this!)