This morning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made an unannounced stop at the Anzac Memorial Hyde Park, recognizing the New South Wales Government’s efforts to revitalize the memorial in honor of World War I’s centenary. You may recall that Harry and Meghan attended a remembrance ceremony for Anzac Day at Wellington Arch and then Westminster Abbey in anticipation of their visits to Australia and New Zealand.
Today the couple were escorted to Hyde Park by NSW Governor David Hurley, while Harry pulled out his Blues and Royal tropical dress uniform for the occasion. They were joined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott.
Harry and Meghan were also treated to Welcome to Country, including a didgeridoo performance by two Aboriginal men and a dance performance. Harry went on to unveil a plaque for the memorial, while the couple left a wreath to pay their respects. A number of the royal reporters noted that this was the first wreath the couple have left together.
Upon first seeing today’s itinerary I did notice it was a lighter, but I honestly figured the two had built in a few half-days or mornings for rest – this tour is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Now I’m thinking there are going to be a few more surprise appearances along the way.
Meghan chose a new black Emilia Wickstead dress with a high collar and contrasting white buttons. It was paired with a black Philip Treacy fascinator, a black Givenchy clutch and Tabitha Simmons heels.
This morning’s look was entirely appropriate, so points deducted there. I will say I didn’t love this, though – mainly because once I saw this dress in white I highly preferred it. Not for today, of course, but I like it so much it is has me hoping Meghan pulls a “Kate” and buys the same dress in multiple colors. I also think the fascinator would have been more striking in a different color – a grey, perhaps – and while I like the heels, I didn’t love them here.
A lot of critique, I guess, but I will say that this look actually reminds me a bit of the navy number Meghan wore to the RAF ceremony back in July for one specific reason – she appears to be relying on a mid-century silhouette for these day-time formal occasions in the same way that Kate almost always opts for an Alexander McQueen or Catherine Walker coat dress. It’s neither here nor there, but it’s interesting to see a professional style profile for the Duchess begin to shape up.