'Christmas at Westminster Abbey' is always an event that captivates with its charm, as the royal family dons perfectly coordinated outfits, exuding elegance and grace. However, this year, it seemed that Princess Katherine’s annual Carol Concert carried an underlying message. Could it be that the royal family was sending a subtle, stylish jab at Meghan Markle?
To understand the context, let’s rewind to 2022. In the third episode of her Netflix documentary, Meghan spoke about her strategic wardrobe choices during her time as a senior royal. According to Meghan, she deliberately avoided bright colors, opting for a more subdued palette of camel, beige, and white to blend in with the royal crowd. As she explained, this was to avoid clashing with the late Queen Elizabeth II and, as she put it, simply not to stand out.
Fast forward a week from that documentary release, and Princess Katherine hosts her much-anticipated Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey, with the royal family in full attendance. And guess what? No beige, no muted tones. Katherine herself graced the event in a striking burgundy coat from Eponine, accessorized with matching shoes and a clutch from Zara. Princess Beatrice, and even little Princess Charlotte, were all seen in rich, vibrant colors—coordinating in shades that Meghan likely shied away from. Even Prince William and Mike Tindall subtly joined the festive color parade with burgundy ties.
Could it be that Meghan's earlier claims about color-based victimhood—where she felt there was no place for her in the royal color scheme—are beginning to look a bit self-inflicted? A few years ago, it was nearly impossible to miss the royal family’s carefully curated color schemes, whether at weddings, christenings, or family portraits. The royal ladies always coordinated their ensembles to create a cohesive and polished look. But Meghan seemed to ignore the unspoken color memo, often choosing to stand out. Whether it was the bold olive green dress when the rest of the family was coordinating beautifully, or her odd beige look at Louis’s christening, Meghan’s wardrobe choices often screamed “Look at me! I’m not like the others.”
Meghan’s decisions around color seemed to be a way of saying, “Look at me!” disguised as humility. Perhaps it was part of a multi-layered strategy, designed to support her claims of victimhood and depression, ensuring she stood out—albeit in a way that contrasted starkly with the rest of the family. And let’s not forget her questionable use of bronzer, which further emphasized the dramatic contrast against her pale beige outfits. In hindsight, it seems like her wardrobe was carefully crafted to convey a story of mixed-race posturing and personal woe.
Meanwhile, at Katherine’s concert, the entire royal family seemed to collectively say, “Let’s show Meghan what it means to coordinate.” This year, Katherine stunned once again in red—an outfit so radiant that it left royal fans buzzing. Interestingly, the outfit had been recycled from previous events, but the addition of a new bow on the coat kept critics at bay. Recycling outfits? A true class act, which some might see as a subtle nod to old-money traditions. On the other hand, Meghan has yet to embrace this concept, often seen in endless rounds of new outfits that sometimes seem more suited for a bargain sale than the royal stage.
This year, Princess Beatrice, Princess Charlotte, and Duchess Sophie all coordinated in shades of burgundy, following an annual tradition of flaunting color coordination. But this year, it seemed like another subtle dig at Meghan and Harry’s more monotone style. While Meghan continues to promote the narrative that the royal family is conspiring against her, one can’t help but wonder if the royals are simply playing the ultimate game of fashion diplomacy.
After all, Katherine’s Christmas concert was a perfect opportunity to bring people together, a chance for Meghan to show what she could have been a part of. Instead, she’s left playing the victim card, a narrative that seems to have lost its appeal over time.
