Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey isn’t even out yet, but that hasn’t stopped royal watchers from gleaning every possible bit of detail from Meghan’s choice of outfit in the upcoming tell-all.
In many ways, it is unsurprising, as it has long been popular thought that royals’ outfits contain hidden meanings, and the choice to wear certain pieces is often made with this very theory in mind, as royals typically do not speak publicly about their lives or share their opinions.
Naturally, whatever ensemble Meghan would have worn for this controversial sit-down with Oprah would have prompted curiosity, but it seems the Internet thinks the outfit in question is sending not one, but two, subtle messages to the world.
The first of the two, will not surprise those au fait with the royal family’s biggest jewellery moments. In clips teasing the upcoming interview, which will air in Australia on Monday, March 8, Meghan can be seen sporting a bracelet that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
The significant piece of jewellery has great sentimental value, as it was the same bracelet that was used to help Harry design Meghan’s engagement ring. Before proposing to the then-actress in 2017, Prince Harry took two stones from his late mother’s bracelet to create Meghan’s three-stone ring.
Per People, the couple wanted Meghan to wear the bracelet during the interview so “Diana could be with them”, however, it’s not the only element of symbolism within Meghan’s ensemble.
As seen in interview clips, the Duchess of Sussex’s silk Armani dress, though seemingly simple and understated, bears a printed motif over the garment’s right shoulder and chest. The symbol in question, is that of a lotus flower, which is known to symbolise rebirth and spiritual enlightenment.
It’s also considered a flower that resilient, with the ability to flourish despite challenging conditions. Per Town & Country: “With such refusal to accept defeat, it’s almost impossible not to associate this flower with unwavering faith. Although cultures have largely dubbed the lotus as a spiritual figurehead, it is most emblematic of the faith within ourselves.”
Hence, it could be considered a fitting motif, with scenes from the interview showing Oprah describing Meghan’s experience in the royal family and all that has come with it as “almost unsurvivable”.
“‘Almost unsurvivable,’ sounds like there was a breaking point,” the talk show host can be heard saying in the clip (watch at top of article).
Oprah’s interview with Meghan and Harry will air in Australia at 7:30pm AEDT on Network 10 on March 8.