The Duchess of Sussex wore a quintessentially royal look on 17 May when she stepped out in Geneva for a meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Brazil's Health Minister, Alexandre Padilha, during a trip focused on advocacy for safer online spaces.
Meghan Markle, 44, opted for a breezy spring look featuring a 'Cotton Silk Double-Face Sheath Dress in Lilac' by Akris, as identified by Royal British Fashion on Instagram. It came in a pencil-cut silhouette and was sleeveless. The scoop neck dress looked like a 2026 spin on Princess Diana's beautiful lilac dress from 1996.
Royal style muse
Prince Harry's mother was seen visiting the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute during her visit to Sydney, Australia, wearing a near-identical look with the same cut and length as Meghan's.
© Getty ImagesIn a photo posted on Instagram ahead of the Geneva trip, Prince Harry's wife was seen trying on a bespoke cashmere coat to match her dress, following the classic royal style trick of matching a coat with a dress to create a uniform finish.
Modernising a 90s look
While Meghan modernised her look with a sleek low pony and minimal accessories, Princess Diana dressed for the time with a triple-strand pearl choker. Of the lookalike style moment, fashion stylist Leanne Jones tells us: "Princess Diana was one of the world's greatest style icons, so it's no surprise her daughter‑in‑law nods to that legacy.
© Instagram"From Meghan’s penchant for designers like Amanda Wakeley, to wearing classic accessories like Diana's Cartier gold tank or aquamarine ring - we’ve regularly seen her adopt Diana’s style.
"This soft pastel Akris dress is a departure from the richer, autumnal palette that usually flatters Meghan - she often favours warm camels, beiges and creams - yet the colour works beautifully here," Leanne continues.
"The bespoke cut and silhouette feel in keeping with Diana's timeless elegance."
Meghan's sombre suit
The light pastel dress was a far cry from her ensemble worn to the inauguration of the Lost Screen Memorial, ahead of the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly at Place des Nations in Geneva.
© Getty ImagesMaking an appearance during a sombre occasion, Meghan dressed appropriately in a single-breasted blazer and trousers by Giorgio Armani with a black camisole underneath and Manolo Blahnik stilettos.
Her jewellery added an eye-watering amount of value to her look with her Cartier 'Gold Tank Française Watch', Ariel Gordon 'Royal Signet Studs', Cartier 'Love Yellow Gold Bracelet', and the Logan Hollowell 'Lovers Duet Diamond and Emerald Chain Necklace', amounting to approximately $50,000.
