Meghan Markle Steps Out in Black Tights After Saying Royal Life Meant ‘Nude Pantyhose All the Time’

During a recent visit to Australia, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, showcased a modern take on royal fashion norms by donning semi-sheer black tights. This decision comes after she previously expressed that adhering to the royal tradition of wearing pantyhose often felt at odds with her personal style.

Meghan, 44, appeared with her husband, Prince Harry, on April 16, 2026, as part of their itinerary that included both private and philanthropic engagements. At this particular outing, the Duchess visited batyr, a youth mental health group situated at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. For the occasion, she paired her Wolford tights with a khaki A-line dress from the Australian brand Friends with Frank, complemented by black pumps from Manolo Blahnik.

The tights, retailing at approximately £42, are available through Markle’s recently launched fashion platform, OneOff, which aims to share her style choices with the public. This renewed interest in tights marks a shift for Meghan, who during her time as a working royal, often adhered to the traditional expectation of wearing nude pantyhose.

In a previous interview with Emily Chang on Bloomberg’s The Circuit, Meghan opened up about her experiences related to royal fashion protocols. The conversation, aired in August 2025, touched on the inherent challenges of balancing personal authenticity with royal expectations. Meghan admitted, with a touch of humour, that she found herself constrained by the unwritten rule that required her to wear nude pantyhose at all times.

Reflecting on this point, she commented, “Let’s be honest, that was not very myself. I hadn’t seen pantyhose since the ’80s.” Her remarks underscored a sense of disconnect she felt with the traditional attire prescribed for royals, which she described as somewhat inauthentic to her personal style.

Meghan’s ability to diverge from these conventions aligns with her emphasis on personal authenticity, which she believes is central to comfortably embracing one’s identity. As she put it, being authentic allows one to “dress the way you wanna dress” and be true to oneself. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan has contended that her fashion choices should reflect her personality rather than rigid expectations.

Throughout her life in the royal family, Meghan initially adhered closely to traditional styles, as she demonstrated at her first royal engagement just days after marrying Prince Harry in 2018. On that occasion, she wore pantyhose for a garden party celebrating the 70th birthday of King Charles III.

Royal pantyhose traditions have deep roots, with the late Queen Elizabeth II famously wearing them as part of her wardrobe. High-profile figures like Queen Camilla and Princess Kate have followed suit, perpetuating this customary practice. However, Meghan has begun to carve her own path, evident in her recent excursion to Australia, where she opted not to wear pantyhose for several of her appearances.

This trip marks the first occasion the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to Australia since their royal tour of the South Pacific in 2018. The couple’s present engagements blend their philanthropic efforts with their personal interests, showcasing a new chapter in their lives apart from royal duties.

Meghan Markle’s fashion choices serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of royal conventions. Her ability to express herself through her attire reflects a broader desire for authenticity in the public sphere, resonating with many who strive for a balance between societal expectations and personal expression.

As Meghan continues to navigate her role beyond the royal family, her fashion statements, including the recent decision to wear tights, encapsulate a style that resonates with modernity, blending heritage with personal flair.