Meghan Markle opts for double denim with £293 blazer and more than £45,000 worth of jewellery during surprise visit to Texas BBQ joint

Meghan Markle showcased her effortless style when she paid a surprise visit to a Texas BBQ joint with her husband Prince Harry.

The Duke and Duchess were all smiles as they headed into Austin’s La Barbecue restaurant on Friday.

Meghan, 42, was immaculately clad in a £76 Aritzia blue denim shirt and corresponding slim-fit jeans, topped with a £293 Heidi Merrick silk and hemp blazer.

The Duchess expertly accessorised with Heidi Merrick oversized sunglasses, costing £173, and her trusty Chanel slingbacks.

She added lashings of extravagant jewellery, including her £21,400 Cartier Tank watch, £12,315) Logan Hollowell diamond tennis necklace, £7,050 Cartier Love bracelet,  and Ariel Gordon diamond tennis bracelet which cost £4,300.

Meghan Markle showcased her effortless style when she paid a surprise visit to a Texas BBQ joint on Friday

Harry and Meghan both embraced co-owner Alison Clem in a warm hug, before being escorted inside where they greeted other workers.

The Duchess beamed as she posed for photos, wearing a double denim look, featuring a classic blue shirt by Aritiza.

Inspired by the 1980s, the £76 design is made from lightweight cotton with a relaxed fit, patch pocket and rounded hem.

Meghan layered up with a £293 cream silk and hemp blazer from California-based brand Heidi Merrick.

The Zelda style is cut with structured shoulders, contrasted by a boxy fit and soft shawl collar.

Meghan complemented her outfit with Chanel goatskin and grosgrain slingbacks, which she has worn on a number of occasions.

Meanwhile, her long raven locks were styled in signature loose waves. 

The couple’s tactile approach marks a sharp break with the tradition of the British monarchy, which has historically been much more formal.

Megan, 41, wore a new £293 blazer from California-based brand Heidi Merrick

She also wore a new £76 Aritzia blue denim shirt and corresponding slim-fit jeans

She added lashings of jewellery, including her Cartier Tank watch and Ariel Gordon diamond tennis bracelet (£4,300)

Royal protocol dictated that a person was not to touch the late Queen unless she offered her hand first, for example.

However, her son King Charles and the younger members of the royal family have been moving towards a more casual approach when dealing with the public in a bid to try and keep the institution relevant.

Meghan was in town for her appearance on a star-studded panel at the opening day of SXSW festival, alongside actress Brooke Shields and author Katie Couric.

The Duchess of Sussex discussed ‘breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes’ at the event.

She talked about social media use and opened up about her cyber-bullying ordeal while pregnant with her children, Archie and Lilibet.

‘I keep my distance from it right now for my wellbeing but the bulk of the bullying and abuse I was experiencing in social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili, and with a newborn, with each of them,’ she said.

‘You just think about that and to wrap your head about why people would be so hateful. It’s not catty it’s cruel. Why you would do that when you’re pregnant or as a mom it’s such a tender and sacred time.’

Prince Harry was seen clapping in the front row to support his wife along with her old friend and confidante Markus Anderson.