The 12 hidden meanings behind Meghan Markle’s style choices: How the duchess gives subtle nods to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in her outfits
The Duchess of Sussex‘s style tributes have long been a topic of conversation. Whether it’s her initial necklaces or personalised eternity ring, she has a knack for weaving sentimental nods into her wardrobe.
In a recent video shared on her personal Instagram she did just that, this time in a subtle yet meaningful way as she wore her heart on her collar.
Meghan dressed in a sleek, black Club Chainstitch sweater that at first glance seemed like a casual, understated choice.
But upon closer inspection the collar had an intricate detail – the names of her two children, Archie and Lili, delicately embroidered in cursive.
Her consistent tributes to her children range from delicate jewellery pieces to powerful statement clothing, with Meghan ensuring that many outfits tell a story of motherhood.
Meghan has often turned to meaningful jewellery to honour her children. Whether it is her Logan Hollowell Call On Your Angels necklace, Suetables zodiac necklace or Sarah Hendler earrings, they all put her children’s presence into her ensemble.
While Meghan’s jewellery tributes are often understated, her clothing choices have been far more overt, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with empowering messages.
From her ‘raising the future’ slogan t-shirt to her statement ‘love like a mother’ tee, Meghan repeatedly chooses to remind the world of her dedication to her children and the importance of maternal love.
Club Chainstitch Archie & Lili Sweater
Meghan appeared in a new video on Instagram debuting a personalised jumper. The simple black sweatshirt was plain apart from some white cursive text embroidered on the side of the neckline that read ‘Archie & Lili’. The £58 unisex sweater was made by female-owned Chicago brand Club Chainstitch
Community Motherhood T-Shirt
Meghan appeared alongside Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms, who posted a photo of herself and Meghan wearing Community Motherhood t-shirts on Mother’s Day in 2023. Her top championed motherhood and the proceeds from sales go towards helping young people build a better future for themselves and their families
Carolina Herrera Yellow Dress
The Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe for her Nigerian tour was seemingly filled with sentimental throwback garments and special tributes, and for US Mother’s Day she opted for her Carolina Herrera yellow gown. The piece was debuted at Archie’s first birthday, as shown in the Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, and then again in 2021 when she announced her pregnancy with Lilibet
Logan Hollowell Call On Your Angels Necklace
Meghan debuted this new Logan Hollowell Call On Your Angels diamond angel eye necklace to the launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness in LA in 2024. The piece is one of Logan Hollowell’s bestsellers and is handmade to order. In the centre sits a glittering eye-shaped silver diamond flanked by two smaller diamond studs, with Archie’s name above the central jewel and Lilibet’s below, both written in calligraphy-style letters
Logan Hollowell Constellations Necklaces
To celebrate turning 40, Meghan teamed up with actress Melissa McCarthy to release a new video, and for her appearance she donned two meaningful 14-carat gold and diamond necklaces. Both necklaces were from Logan Hollowell and featured constellations resembling the astrological signs of Taurus for Archie, who was born in May 2018 and Lilibet, who is a Gemini and born in June 2021
Ariel Gordon Imperial Disc Pendant
The Duchess of Sussex sported a special accessory during the third day of her visit to South America with Prince Harry. The custom made 14-carat yellow gold pendant designed by Ariel Gordon was personalised with the names Archie and Lilibet, seen here in 2024
Mère Soeur Raising the Future T-Shirt
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, appeared behind Harry dressed in a £27 top by British designer Mere Soeur which bears the slogan ‘raising the future’. Meghan made a brief cameo in the trailer for Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey’s series The Me You Can’t See in 2021 in a sweet nod to her son Archie
Suetables Zodiac Necklace
Even when she’s out on royal duties Meghan Markle still had a special way of keeping baby Archie close to her heart. In 2019, when paying a visit to the Broom Farm Community Centre in Windsor, she wore two dainty gold necklaces by Canadian brand Suetables. Featuring astrological pendants, the first chain had a pendant engraved with Harry’s Virgo star sign while the other Zodiac necklace had a Taurus charm in tribute to Archie’s birthday
Sarah Hendler Earrings
When Meghan co-hosted an event staged by the Archewell Foundation in New York City in 2023 she accessorised her sleek Altuzarra outfit with Sarah Hendler’s Pave Spear Tip Dangle Studs. Designer Sarah Hendler took to Instagram to identify the Duchess’ sapphire and emerald earrings as a pair she had made especially for the royal. ‘I created each earring with birthstones of her first-born Archie and Harry,’ she said
Letter Ring
At Prince Harry’s polo tournament at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in 2022, Meghan used the appearance to show off a new ring dedicated to her daughter. The thoughtful ring featured a dainty little L initial for Lilibet
Verse Letter Necklace
Just days before Meghan christened Archie she made a very public declaration for him when attending Wimbledon in 2019 with a personalised necklace. The 18-carat solid gold necklace featured a miniature three-dimensional letter A for Archie by Australian jewellery brand Verse
Lorraine Schwartz Eternity Ring
Meghan Markle’s eternity ring was a gift from Prince Harry on the couple’s first wedding anniversary and pays homage to her family. The Lorraine Schwartz-designed conflict-free diamond eternity band was debuted at Trooping the Colour in 2019 and features Meghan’s, Archie’s and Harry’s birthstones, an olive-green peridot, flawless green emerald and a blue sapphire on the underside of the ring
Some critics argue that Meghan’s constant references to motherhood through fashion can sometimes feel a bit over-the-top, however.
While it’s touching to see Meghan express her love for her children through her wardrobe, there are moments when the sheer frequency of these tributes raises eyebrows.
Though meaningful, these symbolic choices can occasionally come across as a little excessive and she might strike a better balance by letting some outfits simply be stylish without deeper meaning.
One of Meghan’s most poignant fashion tributes has been through her Carolina Herrera yellow dress – a piece that has marked multiple milestones in her journey as a mother.
Debuted to celebrate Archie’s first birthday, it then made a reappearance during Lilibet’s birth announcement, and most recently the same dress was seen in Colombia on Mother’s Day, further cementing its deep sentimental value.
Often using fashion as a medium for personal storytelling, Meghan’s choices aren’t dictated purely by trends, but instead emotion and meaning.
Whether it’s a thoughtfully selected necklace, a well-loved dress, or a slogan tee, Meghan incorporates subtle nods to her children, ensuring that Archie and Lilibet are always with her in some form.
And in doing so, she has crafted a wardrobe that is not only iconic but also deeply personal. By continuing to make subtle yet significant nods to Archie and Lilibet, she proves that motherhood and style can go hand in hand, even if sometimes the messaging can feel a touch overdone.
