Queen Camilla reignited speculation of a softening royal divide with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this week by donning a familiar pale pink coat-dress during her official visit to Canada-an outfit first worn to the Sussexes' 2018 royal wedding.
Camilla stepped off the plane in Ottawa on May 26 in a knee-length Anna Valentine coat-dress, paired with cap-toe heels and a brown clutch, immediately catching the attention of royal watchers.
Camilla's fashion choice mirrored the ensemble she wore on May 19, 2018, to Windsor Castle for Harry and Meghan's nuptials. While the wedding look included a bold pink hat and elaborate jewelry, her Canadian appearance was more subdued and diplomatic.
Adding further symbolism, Camilla accessorized with a diamond and platinum maple leaf brooch, a historical piece gifted by King George VI to Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) for her 1939 Canada tour. Queen Elizabeth II later wore the brooch on Canadian visits and eventually passed it to Camilla, who debuted it in 2009.
"Nice to see Camilla wearing the maple leaf brooch that was given to the late Queen Elizabeth II," one user wrote on X. Another fan posted, "I love this wearing of the brooches!! Such an incredible touch & honor to the RF hosts, and it is beautiful!! QC looks gorgeous!!"
The gesture came just days after Princess Kate wore a yellow Philip Treacy hat-identical to the one she wore at the Sussexes' wedding-at a Buckingham Palace garden party. The sartorial echoes are being widely interpreted as subtle olive branches during a time of tension between the Sussexes and senior royals.
Camilla, 77, and King Charles, 76, received a warm welcome upon arrival from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox Carney, and Governor General Mary Simon. Their two-day visit includes the King's delivery of Canada's Speech from the Throne on May 27-his first visit since the 2023 coronation and his 20th official visit overall.
Royal analysts noted that the choice of attire, combined with the symbolic brooch, may signal a carefully choreographed public relations effort to acknowledge past ties without direct statements. While there has been no official response from the Sussexes, fans online remain abuzz about whether the fashion nods represent personal gestures or palace strategy.
