Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Royal Tour Beach Outfits, Compared
Meghan Markle chose to wear flats on the beach in Melbourne, Australia, but they got completely covered in sand. While they may have seemed more practical, Kate Middleton might have actually gone the smarter route and wore wedges in 2014. See how the Duchess' beach outfits compare here.


On day three of their royal tour, the Duke and Duchess visited the beach in Melbourne, Australia. Meghan wore a Club Monaco A-line dress with gold buttons underneath a Martin Grant trench coat, which she rocked earlier in the week. This sounds completely normal, but when you mix in sand and water it's actually a very formal (and frankly, surprising) outfit choice for the Duchess.
Although she kept on the dress and coat from earlier in the day, Meghan did change into a pair of Rothy's flats (you can shop them here). Even though the closed-toed shoes seemed like a practical choice, they still got completely covered in sand inside and out (it's the thought that counts!), which makes you wonder if Kate Middleton's royal tour beach outfit is the way to go.
When the Duchess of Cambridge visited Australia and New Zealand with Prince William on their first royal tour with Prince George in 2014, she wore a white Zimmerman dress and gold wedges. The initial thought: elevation equals no sand. But her feet also seem to be buried. Observe for yourself below:
Now, here's what Meghan's beach outfit looked like with flats:
Moral of the story: You're always going to get sand in your shoes, so might as well go barefoot.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Summer Trends a Fashion Editor Would Buy Right Now
Don't wait until June.
By Emma Childs
-
The Scent of the Summer Is a Little Bit Pool Water, Plus a Lot of Swimsuit Lycra
Vacation’s new body mists are coming in hot.
By Samantha Holender
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
This Royal Couple Has the Most Pinned Celebrity Wedding of All Time—And a Surprising Royal Wedding Didn't Even Make The List
A new study found this ceremony gave Pinterest users the most inspiration.
By Kristin Contino
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino