During her whirlwind tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex showcased daring fashion choices, a departure from the more conservative attire favored by the Princess of Wales during overseas visits.

This £2,275 striped sundress with cut-outs by Columbian designer Johanna Ortiz proves Meghan isn't afraid of putting her own stamp on royal dressing

Meghan Markle embraced the scorching temperatures with bold style, donning outfits like the £450 open-back blush silk maxi ‘Windsor Dress’ by Heidi Merrick and a £2,275 striped sundress with cut-outs by Johanna Ortiz. She also opted for a bright red midi dress by Nigerian designer Oríré for a Women in Leadership event in Abuja, expressing admiration for Nigeria’s vibrant fashion scene.

In contrast, Kate Middleton typically chooses more demure dresses, even in hot climates. For instance, during a royal tour of the Caribbean, she wore a high-neck yellow dress with cap-sleeves by Roksanda, while Meghan opted for a white strapless gown by St Agni for an event in Jamaica.

Kate chose a high-neck yellow dress with cap-sleeves by Serbian designer Roksanda for her arrival in Jamaica as part of a royal tour of the Caribbean in March 2022

Meghan’s fashion choices, including off-shoulder and boat-neck styles, have often diverged from traditional royal attire, drawing attention and praise. Conversely, Kate’s outfits are often customized for modesty, such as her Elie Saab gown for Crown Prince Hussein’s wedding, which had sheer panels removed.

Meghan, 42, wore a £450 open-back blush silk maxi by Californian designer Heidi Merrick, which is sold as the 'Windsor Dress', for her first engagement in Nigeria

Kate’s meticulous tailoring ensures her garments adhere to the royal dress code, which prohibits overly revealing attire. For example, her alterations to a Jenny Packham gown for the No Time To Die premiere and an Alessandra Rich dress for ‘A Berry Royal Christmas’ maintained modesty while retaining elegance and sophistication.