How does stepping back from royal duties effect Meghan’s wardrobe?
Sure, this entire Harry/Meghan/semi-abdication saga has not loosened its grip one bit and has us holding our collective breath firmly and steadily, as it continues to develop.
Amid all the major questions that remain unanswered, including where the consciously un-royal couple and baby Archie will now live and what their independent finances will look like, another gripping matter has surfaced: what will happen to Meghan Markle’s wardrobe?
First, let us explain a few key facts: The Sussexes have made it clear that they will no longer be supported by the monarchy’s cash flow – namely, the Sovereign Grant, which are the public funds used to cover the royals’ offices and housing. The vast part of Harry and Meghan’s cost coverage, however, comes from Prince Charles – some 95 percent to be exact. These funds are allocated from their private estate and, it is from that budget that Meghan’s impeccable, royal wardrobe was being financed – until now.
As Harry and Meghan transition to their “financially independent” status as part-time royals, it remains undecided whether they will continue to be supported by Prince Charles and, if so, to what degree.
Now, here’s the key item of interest, pertaining to that incredible wardrobe we’ve become highly accustomed to when it comes to Meghan’s public appearances: it is against royal protocol to accept a few clothes. In other words, every piece of clothing worn by the Duchess was paid for.
The estimated cost of Meghan’s wardrobe, paid by the monarchy, has been estimated at a whopping £950,000. Chop a large chunk of that to her, never-to-be-forgotten wedding dresses, including the £200,000 Givenchy gown worn at the ceremony. That dress, to be fair, is said to have cost less than half the price of the Alexander McQueen wedding gown worn by Kate Middleton, but that’s off-topic.
With the royal exit and the reconfiguration of their roles, both Harry and Meghan will surely be making some drastic changes in the way they live, do business and – surely – dress. For one, Meghan should now be able to accept garments as gifts.
And, if she chooses to wear them and, with the level of exposure and attention that she has now, which is only bound to grow in measure, we anticipate a designer war in the making. Anyone she chooses – gifted or not – will experience skyrocketing sales (the Meghan Markel Effect is already alive and this will kick it up several notches) and the type of coverage that cannot be price-tagged.
Watching this drama unfold has been exciting. But seeing what route Meghan’s fashion sense and choices that she is about to be exposed to will lead – well, that is a whole other level of anticipation that we want a front-row seat to.
