What Does Meghan Markle’s ‘Inappropriate’ Red Dress Have in Common with Princess Catherine’s White Gown?

Meghan Markle’s most recent appearance at a charity event is just one example of how royal dress choices frequently provoke controversy. Her daring fashion sense was admired by some but judged controversial by others. Many people might not be aware, though, of the surprising connection this fashion moment has to Princess Catherine.

Wearing a striking red gown, Meghan Markle made an impressive appearance at a children’s charity dinner. The sleek dress, designed with thin straps and a daring plunging neckline, hugged her figure, highlighting her refined style.

Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Wearing a striking red gown, Meghan Markle made an impressive appearance at a children’s charity dinner. The sleek dress, made with thin straps and a daring plunging neckline, fitted her shape, showcasing her polished elegance.

Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Despite her sophisticated look, internet commenters were divided about her outfit choice. Numerous people on social media voiced their criticism of Meghan’s outfit.

A user made the following comment: “If I were the event sponsor, I would have escorted her out of this function—which is supporting children—wearing an outfit like that. How unsuitable [sic].”

Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Despite her sophisticated look, internet commenters were divided about her outfit choice. Numerous people on social media voiced their criticism of Meghan’s outfit.

A user made the following comment: “If I were the event sponsor, I would have escorted her out of this function—which is supporting children—wearing an outfit like that. How unsuitable [sic].”

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Paul S. Viviano on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

“To the kids’ festival. Very exposing dress. To kids’ gala [sic] “observed another internet user. Another irate person continued the comments, saying, “Nothing right about that!!!!!” Not sure if that would apply to a visit to a kid’s event. The first time around, that outfit was awful enough!”

Meghan Markle on October 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

The Surprising Link Between Meghan and Catherine’s Dresses

Meghan’s choice of clothes may have made a fuss, but there’s something surprisingly common between her red dress and Princess Catherine’s white gown. Even though the occasions they attended were very different from one another, both ensembles have garnered a lot of attention and are now hot topics among fans of royal fashion.

Recognized for her eco-friendly wardrobe selections, 42-year-old Kate made news when, at the 2023 BAFTA Awards, she repurposed her white Alexander McQueen gown. At the same event in 2019, the Princess of Wales donned the gorgeous gown for the first time.

Princess Catherine on February 10, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

As she walked the red carpet with her husband, Prince William, the one-shoulder dress with Grecian draping, cut from white silk chiffon, turned her into an ethereal beauty.

2019 saw the addition of floral embellishments to the gown’s shoulder, along with silver heels and a white handbag as accessories. The elegant ensemble was praised and served as an inspiration for numerous bridal design concepts.

Prince William and Princess Catherine on February 10, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

But Catherine revived the dress with a fresh, contemporary look in 2023. She gave the garment a sleeker, more elegant appearance by taking out the floral embellishments and adding a flowing cloth that was pinned to the shoulder.

Prince William and Princess Catherine on February 19, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine not only updated the dress but also added statement pieces, such black velvet gloves that made a dramatic contrast with the white silk. She finished off her ensemble with large floral earrings from Zara and gold sequin Aquazzura Fenix heels, fusing high design with reasonably priced accessories.

Given that Catherine has frequently been commended for repurposing clothing for public engagements, her choice to recycle the Alexander McQueen gown highlights her dedication to sustainable fashion. This behavior not only demonstrates her concern for the environment but also highlights the dress’s classic attractiveness.

Princess Catherine on February 19, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle Follows the Eco-Friendly Trend

Remarkably, like Princess Catherine, Meghan, 43, has embraced the eco-friendly trend. At the recent Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala on October 5, 2024, Meghan elected to recycle the red Carolina Herrera gown she previously worn in 2021.

Originally, the Duchess of Sussex wore the exquisite gown to the Salute to Freedom Gala at the Intrepid Museum in New York City, which honored veterans.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on November 10, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Like her arrival at the children’s event, the gown, with its low plunging neckline and front slit, was an audacious choice. Meghan wore the identical dress in 2021, but with a sweeping crimson train, and red Giuseppe Zanotti heels. In addition, she and Prince Harry donned red poppies, which are a sign of remembering service men who have died in combat.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on November 10, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

But Meghan’s appearance for the CHLA Gala was a little different; the dramatic train was absent, giving her a more streamlined image. The former actress, sporting red strappy heels and a radiant grin, looked lovely as she posed for pictures on the red carpet, even in the absence of the train.

Kelly McKee Zajfen and Meghan Markle on October 05, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Meghan interacted with hospital pediatric staff members as well as patients and their families throughout the event. She was observed posing for pictures with a group of nurses and chit-chatting with kids. She mixed with the attendees before a staff member led her out of the event via a side door.

Although Meghan Markle’s crimson dress drew some criticism, many fans also praised it. One admirer remarked, “She appears stunning. The outfit is stunning.”

Meghan Markle on October 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

“She looks stunning and beautiful,” said one fan, and “Absolutely gorgeous” was said by another. Another person expressed admiration by writing, “She’s gorgeous.” I’m in love with her.

Similar to Princess Catherine’s eco-friendly approach to royal fashion, Meghan Markle showed her dedication to sustainability by recycling her Carolina Herrera gown in addition to making a statement about style.