Meghan Markle's Bright Purple and Red Look Had a Sweet Connection to Princess Diana
The color combo was a favorite of Diana's.

Yesterday, the year 2019 was single-handedly saved before it even really began, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first royal appearance of the year in Birkenhead, near Liverpool. The Duke and Duchess sprinkled tidbits of royal baby news around like confetti, and delivered enough cute PDA moments to keep us all fed for the next few weeks. As well as that, Meghan provided a look that was completely unexpected but amazing, selecting a bold purple dress under a vivid red coat for the visit.
The choice of contrasting brights was an unusual one for the Duchess, as she can normally be seen in a more understated and demure color palette of nudes, black and navy—particularly when on official royal duties. But, as royal family fans have cleverly spotted, there may have been more to her outfit than just a new love of color.
As noted by People, Meghan is likely to have taken inspiration for her clashing block colors from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. In fact, the purple and red palette was a favorite of Prince Harry’s mother, who chose to wear the hues together on a couple of famous occasions. Diana first paired them together back in 1988, when she wore a stunning red and purple statement gown in Thailand.
Another iconic outfit that Diana wore on more than one occasion (and even more similar to Meghan’s look yesterday) featured a purple skirt teamed with a bright red jacket. While Meghan chose red shoes to match, Diana chose purple, along with a purple clutch and a co-ordinated, wide brim hat.
It was this jacket, skirt and shoe combo that the late Princess of Wales wore for her famous solo visit to the Taj Mahal.
Whether Meghan took inspiration directly from old photos of Diana, or whether it’s just a rather lovely coincidence, it’s still a very sweet connection through fashion. And, it’s suddenly making red and purple seem like the only colors that are worth wearing in this world.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Surprising Detail About Princess Diana's Earrings You Probably Missed at Kate Middleton's Latest Appearance
The Princess of Wales wore her late-mother-in-law's pearl drops for Commonwealth Day 2025.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Just Keeps Getting Busier With Major New Business Announcement
April will bring an exciting new venture for the duchess.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Americans Have a Surprising Favorite Member of the Royal Family, Per Latest Poll—and It Isn't Princess Kate
The rankings are wildly different than the same U.K. survey.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Jewelry Expert Reveals Who Owns the Most Expensive Royal Engagement Ring
From pink sapphires to classic diamonds, these regal rings don't disappoint.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess Lilibet
Lilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Son Prince Archie Are Basically Twins in Photos Taken Decades Apart
The Duchess of Sussex just shared a throwback photo from her time as a Girl Scout.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Pairs Cartier With Crocs for the Ultimate High-Low 'With Love, Meghan' Moment
Many of the Duchess of Sussex's looks are under $300 in her new Netflix series.
By Kristin Contino Published