Here are some photos from Day 2 of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s African tour. They’re still in South Africa, and they spent the first part of today on Monwabisi Beach for events in association with Waves for Change, The Lunchbox Fund and Sea Change Project. In many of these photos, they’re meeting with youth surfers associated with Waves for Change, which teaches young people not only how to surf, but what kinds of techniques to use to keep calm, to keep emotions in check, etc.
For this part of the day’s activities, Meghan wore black jeans, a white button-down shirt and a jean jacket. The jean jacket seems to have been in Meghan’s closet for a while – if it’s the same one (I think it is), she’s wore this Madewell jacket before to some low-key events. The white shirt honestly looks a lot like the Misha Nonoo piece from the Smart Set collection, although I have not seen that confirmed anywhere, and eagle-eyed fans seem to think that it’s probably a different (linen-blend) shirt altogether. She also wore loafers – flats!! – today instead of those wedges she wore for Day 1.
So far, the coverage in the British papers has seemed… okay. They made a big deal about how yesterday was the “first time” Meghan made reference to her African-American heritage, which… is funny because she’s made implicit references all along, plus she exists as a black woman in the royal family, which is why the British media can’t stop smearing her. I’ve seen some outlets try to make “Harry and Meghan being affectionate” into a thing, like they shouldn’t hold hands of put their arms around each other while they’re on the job. I’ve watched some of the videos and it’s never like “ooh, look at us, PDA!!” They’re just a touchy couple. Harry especially seems to need that constant physical connection to Meghan.
Oh, they spoke on camera!
During the engagement Harry and Meghan gave a quick pooled interview, sharing their views on the mental health crisis our world is currently experiencing. “No matter where you are,” said Meghan, “everyone is dealing with a different version of the same thing.” pic.twitter.com/1YA8rXua2i
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 24, 2019
Photos courtesy of Getty.
She’s also purposefully not wearing her ~$200k engagement ring, which I think is cool. They are visiting poverty stricken areas and it seems as though she’s very conscious of that and has tailored her entire wardrobe to reflect: (1) practicality; (2) actual boots on the ground work; and (3) the environment – meaning culturally as well as literally.
If you look closely one of the bands on her ring finger has a tiny blue stone (almost like turquoise) in it, I’ve never seen a close up of her wedding ring so maybe it’s always been that one but it’s really pretty
I thought her anniversary band had the family’s birthstones embedded in it. Maybe that’s what we’re seeing.
Isnt her anniversary band a diamond band? That’s what I thought at the Trooping.
Anyway, What Meghan Wore says its this ring, and that she is not wearing any other rings:
https://jennifermeyer.com/products/turquoise-marquise-ring
I think she just really likes Jennifer Meyer pieces.
The turquoise ring matches the little studs she wore the first day (and is wearing again today). She seems to have a lot of Meyer’s pieces, which are Meg’s style: small and stackable. I also like the fact that she doesn’t feel the need to wear her diamonds all the time. I wouldn’t be surprised if her engagement ring is back in the “vault” at home.
Her wardrobe and her jewelry are matching the work she’s come to do. I LOVE that she’s wearing simple clothes that she can move/sit in comfortably, and sensible shoes for walking the uneven terrain. She’s looks great here!
I thought it was very tactful of her not to wear her engagement ring and keep her other jewellery to a minimum
I agree, I think not wearing the engagement ring is a simple gesture that goes a long way. She’s wearing fairly minimalist jewelry, outfit repeats – I think she’s doing this right, so far.
Her wedding band is not that big though, I honestly don’t think it’d draw that much attention and they aren’t really visiting the slums. But kudos for her for making a conscious effort.
Her actual wedding band is just the plain Welsh gold one, so definitely not flashy.
How does one put plain and Welsh gold in the same sentence? The very word Welsh drips with history.
I always have mixed feelings with the big jewelry. When it comes to Meg & Kate’s wedding jewelry, I think there ARE a lot of people that do want to see it. They’re iconic pieces.
But there needs to be some kind of balance, and I’m really not sure there’s any one ‘right’ way to do it.
Agreed, although I think that is more the case with Kate. The Diana sapphire is world-famous, as well as being a big part of Kate’s personal brand. Plus, a queen-to-be makes sense with more everyday bling.
Meghan’s working towards a more simple, professional woman personal brand. Dressing for the occasion makes sense for her.
I’m on the fence about that. Like, I get that it might seem out of place to bring your million dollar diamond ring to a poor township. But then again, Meghan and Harry and all of the other royals ARE extremely rich, ring or no ring. Hiding their jewelry and wearing high street denim is only glossing over that fact. It may be a polite thing to do and good optics, but it doesn’t really help or change anything for anyone. Which I suppose is the core problem with the monarchy in general. They do charity work and visit poor people, but there is zero structural plan or analysis involved. If the royal family are to keep existing, the rich must stay rich and the poor must stay poor.
I’m on the fence with you. They are royal and thus uber wealthy . You can’t just forget that, and honestly you shouldn’t have to. Still, they do a nice job of being as normal as possible for people with that much wealth. I like their style on this trip including the wedges people seem to hate. Hopefully, the 5 month old will be okay for us to get one good picture with him, but he’s 5 months so it just might not happen.
Also, I think it’s funny people think Harry needs the physical contact. To me it always seems like Meghan is holding onto him for dear life. I think this has more to do with her being American. The Brits are a bit more hands off. We Americans are a touchy feely bunch.
I agree that it is Meghan’s whose love language seems to be physical touch and Harry is giving her what she needs.
I don’t care to see the jewelry, I am not into that.
She looks really good in this outfit and it’s perfect for the event.
Soooo cute!!!
It’s hard to believe she’s going to be 38.
38 isn’t old.
The surfing organization sounds amazing! What a wonderful way to combine a sport with mental health and coping strategies. Well done!
@ Redgirl I know right? I want to join that organisation. It makes perfect sense for the two to be connected. I love how much Megan and Harry are working the mental health issue too.
Some really great organisations they’re visiting today! And it’s good to see them speaking so much, this definitely isn’t just a photo op tour.
Their outfits suit the day and getting stuck in with the work. The only thing is that it looks windy and the loose parts of Meghan’s hair are in her face at times.
One of Harry’s love languages definitely seems to be physical affection, and quite possibly Meghan’s too. They’re completely smitten with each other.
They doing great and I’m so happy! @jessica , yes! I noticed it too on the other engagements and I’m glad she is being sensitive to it specially because the British press is always looking for something to tear her down. I’m not saying she should not wear her ring but perhaps she is feel more comfortable without it specially with all the engagements they have and a small child. Anyhow just love that the tour is doing great and she looks fabulous!
She looks great, casual yet pulled together. Madewell is my new favorite brand, and I found you can get good deals on it at Nordstrom Rack. 🙂
Anyone have an id on her shoes?
I know she wears Rothy’s a lot, but they don’t look quite right to be them. They kind of look like Tom’s too. They’re definitely along the lines of the two, but I’m honestly not sure.
The site What Meghan Wore ID’d them as Brother Vellies Huaraches Flats. They look comfortable. They also ID’d her Madewell denim tote, which I like as well.
Ouuu excellent work! I’m going to go investigate these. They look super comfy.
Whoa Brother Vellies are SUPER expensive. Those might be $300-500 shoes.
Brother Vellies, an African brand. She was wearing them on polo day with Archie, Kate and the kids.
I’m loving this tour. They look so happy and in love and you can see that people love them.
Love her look! Love them!! They are so awesome.
I know I’m going to get ripped apart for this but she looks like she’s put on a little weight and looks great. I wonder if they will try for baby #2.
@Basi
Meghan isn’t an actress anymore, so I guess she can hold off on the diets and such. She looks good as she is though.
I think it’s just some baby weight that hasn’t fully come off, and her shape’s changed a bit since giving birth, as is normal. She looks great.
My sister’s shape is/was like Meg’s: slim, great legs, nice “shape”, but without a *really* defined waist. After she had her two kids, her once (literally!!) “perfect” boobs got/stayed huge, her tush stayed small, her legs still great, but her midsection stayed thicker. She has that “rectangle” shape now, as did my mom. It happens. (I, unfortunately, got my paternal grandfather’s hip/thighs…sigh… so unfair! lol) 😊
They work really great together. That interview with them was very interesting and both were knowledgable.
Sorry to be crude but I am thankful she is not wearing jeggings squeezing the life out of her crotch. She is dressed appropriately in business casual.
Dwl. I agree
I love that she looks healthy! So many times poor Kate looks like she’s wasting away.
And to think, photos add weight!
It’s just sad, in Kate’s case, that she lost weight leading up to the wedding, and continued to lose when she got the praise for being SO thin. She had a fantastic, athletic, slimmed, toned build before; she looked AMAZING pre-engagement. While I think Kate is a beautiful woman, I always think she looks SO GOOD pregnant, and just after giving birth, when she has a few more pounds on her. It makes her looks so much softer and younger.
I’m glad Meg doesn’t seem to feel the pressure to become a lollipop-head after giving birth, esp. SO QUICKLY after giving birth.
Agree – I loathe those jeggings, soooo unprofessional. I saw Kate here in Victoria a few years back and my god she was a bone-rack.
@Jaded
There are several things to criticize about Kate but calling her a “bone rack” goes beyond the pale. I remember you spoke about having a relative who suffered from eating problems and to turn around and describe a woman this way is just vile.
This is a great time to go on a tour like this. Still in love and also on that new baby high- the crowds will feel this and feed off of it!
I thought Samantha Cohen was not working for the Sussexs anymore, there she was in SA yesterday.
Amy P was at the Smart Set Launch.
Samantha Cohen is leaving…..end of the year? Maybe after this tour? So she’s still there for this tour. The new secretary is there for a few days of the tour but not the whole time.
True, but the hateful UK media said she was gone last year because of Meghan.
She was there for 6 months, then it went to after Archie was born, now it’s the end of the year??.
RR were saying she did not want to leave, but who knows what the truth is.
@Peg – oh I don’t know if its the end of the year or not. that just makes sense to me, but I could be completely making it up lol. It’s clear though that she’s not rushing out as fast as she can bc Meghan is such an awful person though, which disappoints the RRs, lol.
I like this look a LOT. Its definitely something I imagine most of us would wear, she looks comfortable but not frumpy. And no wedges!
It is! I basically wear some version of this outfit every fall before it gets really chilly.
I loved seeing them speak together in that clip. They work well off of each other. There’s a genuine respect between them.
Nice casual but appropriate outfit. I love Madewell denim as well! And it’s always nice hearing them speak. They clearly are genuine and care about these organizations that they work with and promote. Much respect.
My gosh … she is so pretty and so smart. Wow. Harry chose such a neat partner. I am so, so happy for him. For them both. It is refreshing to see a new Mom in the limelight who is taking her time and naturally letting her body heal from the work of making a tiny human. If all woman did this, the expectations would be so different for all of us. I just love her.
Don’t mind the low key jewelry. Not sure how her Botswana diamond would go down in South Africa. I’m very underwhelmed so far with what she’s wearing. Lots of repeats and very basic. Maybe part of it is to be respectful but at the same time, people want you to dress up a bit for them. I think part of this is directed at the British press. They always go on about what she’s wearing and criticize what her clothes cost, so take that off the table. Focus on the events and causes. Still, hope she ramps it up for a few of the more formal visits.
I’m hoping for a formal piece or two before this trip is over, also.
I have that Madewell jacket. I”ve had if for years and I still wear in all the time! I love timeless, classic pieces that last forever.
Really loved the smart casual look here.
I’m happy that they’re bringing the world’s attention to these amazing organizations that are doing such great work. It’s also nice to see that these African people (in this case South African) are perfectly capable of helping themselves and don’t need ‘saviours’ to come rescue them.
As for the outfit, what else should she wear? It’s not going to get her a rave in GFY but it’s perfectly appropriate for the occasion.
I enjoy that the Sussexes express their love in simple gestures. There’s not enough love in the world, so to see a couple in love is very nice. It also puts paid to all the folks who are POSITIVE that Harry is going to divorce Meghan ANY MINUTE NOW. It doesn’t look like that to me.
Lol, the haters are saying it’s the work of that US PR firm Sunshine something. Even though they have been holding hands and affectionate with each from the beginning. Like any normal newlywed couple. Anyway Harry in particular seems really happy and joyful this trip, so go kick rocks haters!
One thing I am sure of, Kate is taking copious notes for her upcoming trip to Pakistan in October and I expect to see lots of recycled clothing. It’s probably because of her that Meghan is recycling so much. Thanks Kate!
Isn’t it crazy that we have all noticed her baby weight? We are so used to celebrities losing the extra pounds in an unnatural timeframe that Meghan’s extra few seem strange. It also says a lit about her that she isn’t obsessed with post baby weight loss like Kate is. IMO Meghan is the more self assured one.
I like her baby weight, it definitely is still there. I’ll admit though that some clothes make her look boxy in pictures.
This casual style is ok, I appreciate it’s not expensive but I don’t like it..
She’s not as thin as she was before pregnancy but she has definitely been losing the weight steadily since trooping of the colors. Not crazy about some of her clothes but love that the haters on the Fail are mad they can’t tally the cost of her wardrobe and accuse her of spending all the money and flashing the jewelry. Now she’s being called a hypocrite for rewearing outfits. 🤣
What’s nice to see is they really seem to enjoy each other’s company, and the company of the people they are visiting. Now, maybe it’s because Meghan is an actress and she can “pretend” better than other members of the royal family, or maybe it’s because she is more of a “people person” and can connect better. Either way, I think they are a big asset as ambassadors.
They are so compatible and totally well suited. VERY cute together!!
I always LOL when you see the price afterwards of something so basic as a jean jacket – like in the hundreds of hundred of dollars – when they look exactly like my basic $50 jean jacket LOL.
I feel like it’s good that she’s not wearing super expensive clothing makes her more relatable etc etc but then her looks end up seeming too casual.
Perhaps we need to rethink that. Most people dress casually so why not Harry and Meghan? Makes them more relatable and down to earth imo.
Looks like she is repeating outfits from the Australian tour lmao! 1. She might as well rewear perfectly good clothing 2. Shut down the spendthrift criticism. Smart move Duchess.
Harry’s hair is on the strugglebus.
Actually thinks he needs a haircut LOL.
Remember Harry saying he more like his true self in Africa a second home. I believe him. They really are enjoying this tour with less pressure and relating to others in a down to earth manner.