Meghan Markle continues to wear neutral clothing four years on from the Sussex’s ‘freedom flight’ – despite claiming she had to ‘tone down’ her wardrobe in the royal family

Since leaving the Royal Family and relocating to a $15 million mansion in sunny California, Meghan Markle has demonstrated a boundless sense of style.

She and Prince Harry, along with their son Archie, two dogs, and Meghan’s mother Doria, embarked on a ‘freedom flight’ four years ago, on March 14, 2020.

Released from the constraints of strict rules, the American actress not only indulges in a glamorous lifestyle, but also dons a variety of designer labels and dazzling jewellery, often carrying hidden meanings.

However, while claiming that she was not allowed to wear colour as a working member of the Royal Family, Meghan, 42, has continued to opt for a predominantly neutral wardrobe, despite having no imposed restrictions.

Instead, she has ventured into leg-baring shorts and revealing dresses, choices that may be deemed inappropriate for traditional royal engagements.

Most of the time I was in the UK, I rarely wore colour,’ the Duchess said in the 2022 Netflix series, Harry and Meghan.

‘To my understanding, you can’t ever wear the same colour as Her Majesty if there’s a group event, but then you also shouldn’t be wearing the same colour as one of the other more senior members of the family.’

She continued: ‘I wore a lot of muted tones but it was also so I could just blend in.

‘There was no version of me [that was] joining this family and trying not to do everything I could to fit in. I don’t want to embarrass the family.’

To respect this rumoured royal protocol, Meghan began dressing, almost exclusively, in shades of camel, beige and white.

Her sartorial excellence was particularly noticeable at an evening reception held at the British Ambassador’s residence in Rabat, Morocco, in February 2019.

Meghan made a welcome entrance in a dramatic cape dress by Dior, teamed with gold lamé lambskin heels and a matching satin clutch, also by the French luxury house.

The Duchess showcased another muted look for her first appearance following the announcement that she and Prince Harry, now 39, were expecting a baby

Arriving at Sydney Opera House on October 16, 2018, Meghan was immaculately clad in a Martin Grant trench coat and a pencil dress by Australian designer Karen Gee.

Although muted in colour, the ensemble proved effortlessly flattering for the royal, who was experiencing the early stages of pregnancy.

Over subsequent years, she continued to favour a range of sheath dresses and neutral shades, opting for labels such as Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and Victoria Beckham.

Nevertheless, the royal occasionally incorporated vibrant hues into her wardrobe, as shown in 2018 at Marlborough House in London. On this occasion, she donned a canary yellow dress designed by Brandon Maxwell.

Additionally, Meghan made an eye-catching statement in a violet dress from Babaton by Aritizia, layered underneath a scarlet wool coat by Canadian brand Sentaler, in Birkenhead, 2019.

She added a Gabriela Hearst leather bowling bag and vertiginous red stilettos by Stuart Weitzman, while her raven locks were styled in a messy chignon.

The mother-of-two showcased another vibrant red outfit in February 2019 as she arrived in Casablanca, Morocco.

Her striking caped coat, custom-made by Valentino, was inspired by a white version from the label’s spring 2023 Couture collection.

Meghan, who is close friends with Victoria Beckham, has sported a number of designs by the former Spice Girl since joining the Royal Family.

Perhaps her most notable choice was a turquoise T-shirt dress in 2020, when she and Harry were snapped in the rain following their appearance at the annual Endeavour Fund in London