Meghan Markle has made it clear she has no intention of following royal protocol by ‘revealing’ Nigeria dress, expert says

MEGHAN Markle has made it clear she has absolutely no intention of following royal conduct by kicking off her tour in a backless dress, a fashion expert has said.

Prince Harry and Meghan are in Nigeria for a three-day “faux royal tour” and greeting locals, the Duchess, 42, looked incredible in a feminine dress.

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The mother of two opted for a maxi dress from Californian lifestyle brand Heidi Merrick, whose design ethos is to “infuse feminine style with the tangible and the ethereal, capturing the vulnerability and strength of women.”

The gorgeous dress, which retails for an eye-watering £450, featured a flowing, tiered skirt and fitted front bodice with geometric linear cut-out details at the back.

Although from certain angles it looked like the dress was completely backless, as soon as Meghan turned around, fans of the duo could see that it had straps that went down the middle of her back.

According to fashion editor Amber Graafland, “The choice of revealing dress was a million miles from the carefully choreographed outfits of previous royal tours.”

For example, the fashion guru said in an exclusive chat with Fabulous, the dress was “off the shelf and not custom made.”

”Most royal tour outfits are planned months in advance.

”Working closely with each individual designer and in collaboration with image consultants, attention is paid to every little detail.”

When creating the wardrobe for the tours, there is great “care to convey subtle messages that refer to the host country”.

The long process, Amber explained, will involve “monitoring” the hems, ensuring that the fabrics are “meticulously considered”, and that “formality” will always remain “the order of the day”.

“However, on the first day of the Sussex tour it is absolutely clear that the couple have no intention of following protocol.

“Freed from royal restrictions, Harry and Meghan are doing things their own way,” Amber said, adding that things are different for Meghan’s sister-in-law.

“No longer constrained by the burden of formality that Kate faces, Meghan is free to explore and reflect her own personal style.

”Her choice of clothing is only part of defining the type of public figure she wants to represent.”

The “revealing” dress isn’t just a sign that Meghan has been “freed from royal constraints” – according to Amber, the 42-year-old is also trying to establish an entirely new image.

”With a newly launched lifestyle brand and an exciting new chapter of her life opening, Meghan knows that image is everything.”

‘FAUX-ROYAL TOUR’

The Sussexes will take part in “cultural activities” during the 72-hour trip, after being invited by the West African country’s Chief of Defense Staff.

The getaway – their first trip to Nigeria as a couple – was labeled a “faux royal trip”.

Harry and Meghan – who is of Nigerian descent – ​​will meet military personnel and their families, as well as take part in cultural activities, according to local press.

The three-day trip could also include visits to three cities in efforts to have Nigeria host the Invictus Games in 2029.

Air Vce Mshl Abidemi Marquis, director of sports at the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, said the Duchess wants to “explore her ancestry and lineage”.

After disembarking, the couple was first taken to a hotel, before heading to Academia da Luz.

The Duchesses must then meet with defense leaders and visit wounded soldiers.

On tomorrow’s show, Harry, 39, is expected to field his own team during a sitting volleyball match played by Nigeria’s Invictus team, before the pair head off to meet more soldiers and their families.

Meanwhile, Meghan will host a Women in Leadership event with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-American economist and director general of the World Trade Organization.

When Sunday arrives, the two Sussexes will attend a basketball clinic that promotes young people’s entry into the sport, as well as enjoy a cultural reception and visit a polo fundraising event.