Meghan Markle appeared to address and potentially dispel rumors of a rift with Victoria Beckham during her recent visit to Colombia by making a subtle yet impactful fashion choice. The Duchess of Sussex, who was in the South American country to promote mental health and combat cyberbullying, wore a shirt designed by Beckham on the first day of her four-day visit.
This sartorial decision comes amidst ongoing speculation about a falling out between the two high-profile women, fueled by allegations that Meghan had requested free clothing from Beckham's fashion line.
The rumors of a rift have been circulating for some time, with royal biographer Tom Bower claiming that tensions arose over requests for free clothing. Despite these claims, the public display of support through Meghan's fashion choice suggests otherwise.
The Duchess paired the rich brown silk shirt from Victoria Beckham's 2020 collection with smart trousers and caramel heels during the "Responsible Digital Future" Forum at EAN University in Bogotá. The outfit was complemented by gold Cartier jewelry, creating a look that many have described as reminiscent of Beckham's own Posh Spice era.
Meghan Markle opens up about Victoria Beckham feud in Colombia - https://t.co/1JYydJcVWQ pic.twitter.com/0OKGkENleW — Islamabad Insider (@IslooInsider) August 16, 2024
The significance of Meghan's outfit choice was not lost on observers, particularly given the history between the two couples. Victoria and her husband, soccer legend David Beckham, were among the guests at Meghan and Prince Harry's 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle. However, reports surfaced that their relationship had soured, particularly after the Beckhams were accused of leaking stories about the Sussexes, a claim that allegedly left David "absolutely furious."
While reports suggested that the relationship between the two couples had deteriorated to the point of no return, Meghan's decision to wear Beckham's design sends a different message. It suggests that if there was any tension, it may have been overstated or possibly even resolved.
Meghan has previously worn Victoria Beckham designs on several notable occasions, including during her time as a working royal. One particularly memorable moment was at the Christmas Day church service in 2018, when Meghan, then pregnant with her son Archie, was dressed head-to-toe in Beckham's creations.
Victoria Beckham herself has publicly praised Meghan in the past. After the Duchess wore one of her designs on Christmas Day, Beckham expressed her delight during an appearance on the US show Live with Kelly and Ryan. "She looked so beautiful. It was such a lovely surprise to wake up to on Christmas morning. I think that she's such a beautiful, strong, wonderful woman, so it was a huge honor," Beckham said at the time.
The Sussexes' visit to Colombia marks their first major public appearance in the country, where they were invited by Vice President Francia Márquez, who was reportedly inspired by the couple's Netflix docuseries. Meghan and Harry kicked off their trip with a meeting at the Vice President's official residence before visiting a local charter school and attending a folkloric presentation at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata. The couple also participated in a panel discussion at EAN University, focusing on the digital future and the mental well-being of young people.
As Meghan and Harry continue their work on the global stage, the Duchess's fashion choices remain a focal point for both fans and critics alike. By wearing a piece designed by Victoria Beckham, Meghan may be signaling that reports of a feud have been exaggerated or are simply untrue. It is a reminder of how fashion can be used as a tool for diplomacy and communication, even in the midst of media-fueled controversies.
