Based in Toronto, Sarah Laing contributes to The Star as a freelance writer, focusing on celebrity and cultural topics. You can find her on X at @sarahjanelaing. Meghan Markle’s recent public appearance would have delighted any old-school tabloid headline writer.
She attended a charity gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, donning a striking vermilion Caroline Herrera dress (“Lady In Red!”) featuring a daring front split (“Duchess shows off her gams”). Regardless of her intentions, Meghan provided ample material for online chatter as she graced the red carpet for the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital fundraiser.
This event was obviously high-profile for someone who has largely stayed out of the limelight this year, opting instead for more low-key engagements like a local bookstore opening, a charity tennis tournament, and a summit in the Hamptons during her limited public appearances.
Making a rare appearance, Meghan rewears an $8,000 dress she previously debuted at the 2021 Salute to Freedom gala
Compared to her Colombian and Nigerian wardrobe choices, which included casual cotton or linen sundresses, this gala look was more glamorous. For instance, her appearance alongside Harry at the ESPYs in July featured a modest white custom Oscar de la Renta gown that exuded a sense of “I’m here in a supporting capacity.”
Another point of discussion surrounding this gala appearance was that the $8,000 dress had previously been worn in 2021, albeit without the overskirt that accompanied it at the Salute to Freedom gala in New York City. To our knowledge, this marks the first instance of Meghan rewearing a high-profile gown during her nearly eight years in the public eye.
While this could be interpreted as a move toward sustainability or simply a fondness for the dress, the Daily Mail framed it as Meghan “taking a leaf out of Kate’s book,” suggesting that the Royal Family had pioneered the trend of reusing extravagant gowns.
Of course, Prince Harry’s absence loomed large over the red carpet. Reports indicate he was away on a hiking trip for his 40th birthday, organized by Meghan, making his absence seem poorly timed despite speculation about their relationship status following a surge in rumors suggesting discord in their life in Montecito.
Recent headlines include claims such as “Prince Harry in midst of ‘mid-life crisis’ as Meghan prepares to go it alone,” from the Daily Express, and “Meghan Markle ‘looked lost without Prince Harry’ during solo appearance” from the Mail.
Even Newsweek, typically a reliable source, joined the fray with the headline “Meghan Markle stuns in red as marriage gossip returns,” while The Times initiated fresh speculation with the question, “Where’s Meghan?” as Harry attended solo engagements in the U.K. and Africa.
These sensational headlines often serve as bait-and-switch tactics, presenting an apparent focus on a potential divorce, while their actual substance reflects what has been increasingly clear about the couple over the past year: they are working to establish individual professional identities.
Their era as a power couple may have shifted—People described it as a “twin-track approach evolving”—but this does not imply their marriage is in jeopardy, even if it feeds the gossip machine.
Among those observing Meghan’s latest appearance, many noted a distinct change in her demeanor, beyond the usual critiques of her fashion choices. One commenter on a fan account remarked that she “looks rested and judgment-free,” while another described her as a “carefree Cali girl.”
While this newfound energy might partly be attributed to her wavy hair and nude eye makeup, it seemed that Meghan was approaching the world with a lighter, more playful attitude. At one point, she held hands with a friend who was among the charity’s organizers and engaged warmly with a reporter on the red carpet.
Her upcoming projects also indicate a shift in focus. Although she and Harry have collaborated on a support organization for parents of children affected by social media, Meghan appears to be prioritizing her individual ventures.
She has filmed a lifestyle show for Netflix, set to premiere in mid-2025, along with her jam-forward American Riviera Orchard product line, which Us Weekly reports will launch simultaneously with the show.
If one reason for the couple’s professional separation is to distance themselves from the negativity that often surrounds them, Meghan’s vibrant and more confident solo appearance seems to align with that theory. Whatever the speculation may suggest, she likely feels quite comfortable with this new chapter.
