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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been touring Australia this week, attracting considerable attention as their visit continues. The Duchess of Sussex has recently found herself at the center of discussion, sparked by her choice of attire during public appearances.
Throughout their trip, the couple have maintained a busy schedule, participating in various engagements across Melbourne. However, some observers have flagged what they consider a fashion misstep by Meghan. During a joint outing with Prince Harry, her outfit sparked debate on social media, with critics pointing out an apparent contradiction related to her past comments about royal dress codes.
Specifically, Meghan was seen wearing black tights, a detail that did not go unnoticed. Several social media users recalled her earlier remarks in which she described the requirement for royal women to wear nude pantyhose as “inauthentic” and restrictive to her personal expression. Some commentators labeled her recent wardrobe choice as “hypocritical,” questioning the consistency of her statements with her current style.
One X user commented, “Didn’t Meghan Markle say that wearing pantyhose felt inauthentic and that she hadn’t worn them since the 1980s? So what’s on her legs now?”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with some calling her out as a hypocrite. However, some fans and followers defended Meghan, noting that her previous critique was specifically about nude pantyhose, not black tights as seen in the recent photos.
They argued that the two are different and that criticism over this point was unwarranted.
For context, Meghan addressed her discomfort with royal dress protocols in a candid 2025 interview with Bloomberg’s The Circuit with Emily Chang. She explained that wearing nude pantyhose was mandatory during her time as a working royal, which she found limiting and inauthentic to her personal style. This perspective clarifies why some were surprised to see her wearing tights, albeit of a different kind.
Amid the wardrobe debate, the Sussexes have been warmly received by Australian crowds. On the third day of their visit, they took part in an Aboriginal walk along Melbourne’s Yarra River, marking their most prominent public engagement so far.
The couple also spent time interacting with fans, including a young admirer who recognized Meghan from her role in the TV series “Suits.” Harry reportedly stepped aside to let the boy take a photo with his wife.
The visit has drawn large gatherings, sometimes becoming chaotic enough that Harry intervened to shield Meghan and himself from the press. Despite the ongoing discussion about Meghan’s fashion choices, public enthusiasm for the Duke and Duchess remains strong as their Australian tour continues.