Vanity Fair article raises questions about Meghan Markle’s claims that Royals made her wear neutrals – as she wore the hues before and after Mexgit

A damning new Vanity Fair article featuring explosive claims about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has once again raised questions over the Duchess’ claims that the Royal Family made her wear neutral colours so she wouldn’t stand out.

But in fact, although she insisted that she chose camel, beige and white on Royal engagements, so she didn’t clash with other members of the Firm, she has predominately worn muted colours since Megxit five years ago. 

In an effort not to step on any toes within the Royal Family, the Duchess said she also adapted her wardrobe accordingly.

Speaking in 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, she said: ‘Most of the time I was in the UK, I rarely wore colour.

‘To my understanding, you can’t ever wear the same colour as Her Majesty if there’s a group event but then you also shouldn’t be wearing the same colour as one of the other more senior members of the family.’

To respect this rumoured royal protocol, Meghan says she started dressing almost exclusively in shades of camel, beige and white.

Now, speaking to Vanity Fair, Tom Fitzgerald, a fashion and cultural commentator who lives in Montecito, has noted that he found some of Meghan’s claims less than credible – for example, the notion that she didn’t know she would have to curtsey to the Queen.

While Meghan claimed she felt forced to wear neutral clothing by the Royal Family, she has worn the hues before and after her stint as a member of the Firm (pictured in 2012)

In 2013, the then-actress told Hello! Canada that she loves ‘wearing neutrals from head to toe. It always elongates your figure’

In addition, Tom noted that Meghan has made ‘repeated claims that she was forced to wear neutrals during her time in the palace’ so as not to upstage more senior members of the family.

However, he noted, she primarily opts for a neutral colour palatte these days. 

But in fact, Meghan had been championing this colour palette in her wardrobe before she even met Harry, first showcasing it in May 2012. 

The warm and versatile hues then have a staple in her wardrobe, from her time as a working member of the Royal Family to this day.

Karen Haller, Applied Colour & Design Psychology Specialist and author of The Little Book of Colour, previously told MailOnline that these colours foster a sense of calm amid a demanding lifestyle.

She said: ‘When it comes to the psychology of colour, soft light browns, such as beige, taupe and tan, are soothing and help create a sense of groundedness, and stability. 

‘They can aid in fostering a feeling of composure and may reflect a desire to go about quietly, without drawing attention.

‘These colours can also act as a counterbalance to a hectic lifestyle, offering a sense of calm and simplicity.’

Vanity Fair (pictured) has published an article about how the Sussexes have fared in the five years since leaving the Royal Family

She debuted her first fully-neutral look, at the USA Upfront Presentation in New York in May 2012.

Reflecting her love for skimpy silhouettes, she wore a ruched mini skirt with a silk camisole and strappy platform heels. 

At the American Ballet Theatre opening night gala in New York in October 2013, Meghan dazzled in a one-shoulder Lanvin dress in a rich cappuccino shade, paired with matching Christian Louboutin slingbacks.

She even told Hello! Canada that she ‘loved’ a full neutral ensemble.

She said:’I love this Lanvin dress, and wearing neutrals from head to toe. It always elongates your figure, especially with nude Louboutins.

‘I absolutely love this look because it speaks to my personal aesthetic: classy and simple.’ 

For a World Vision event at Lumas Gallery in March 2016, Meghan opted for a  mocha suede sheath dress by Theory. 

She complemented the frock with Aquazzura lace-up pumps in the same hue for a polished finish. 

While she wore some colourful looks during solo engagements as a royal, her most colourful looks were worn during her last weeks as a working royal.

Speaking during her and Harry’s Netflix docuseries, she said: ‘Until that last week in the UK, I never wanted to upstage or ruffle any feathers, so I just tried to blend in. But I wore a lot of colour that week. I thought, “well, let’s just look like a rainbow”.’

However, since leaving the Firm, and any alleged restrictions on what colours she could wear, Meghan has been spotted wearing neutral tones on multiple ocassions.

For example, in August 2023, Meghan and Prince Harry appeared in a video from their garden, discussing their work with young people to create a better digital future.

In a video message shared in 2023, Meghan once again showed off her love of neutrals, donning a beige-toned frock

Attending the 2023 Variety Power Of Women event in Los Angeles, Meghan once again donned full neutral ensemble

Meghan sported a camel sleeveless top and matching skirt from Malibu-based brand Bleusalt.

In September, while attending the Invictus Games in Germany, the former Suits actress wore white, cream and black for all of her appearances.

Among her looks, she donned acream Cuyana trousers with a trench coat from the same brand, and a white T-shirt.

She paired the look with Aquazurra purist pumps – which she has worn on dozens of occasions – in the same hue

That November, she opted for a beige ensemble for another high-profile appearance, donning a Proenza Schouler dress, featuring an asymmetric off-shoulder neckline and thigh-high side slits for the 2023 Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles.