Meghan Markle's 'Windsor' gown on Nigeria trip draws chatter online

Meghan Markle became the talk of the town after she wore a backless beige-coloured gown ironically called 'Windsor' during her recent visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry.

The gown was designed by California-based Heidi Merrick and the outfit's name, according to the designer's official website, is called 'Windsor Gown–Blush'. Interestingly, Windsor is the last name of the UK royal family and is named after the royal residence.

Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan Markle, 42, arrived in Nigeria on Friday on an invitation from the country's highest-ranking military official, the chief of defence staff, The New York Post report said.

The couple parted ways with the royal family in 2020 and moved to the US. Meghan Markle's dress choice has sparked debate among people, with some interpreting it as a strategic move to forge ties to the Windsor name and others calling it a subtle jab at the royal family.

As pictures of the couple's Nigeria trip surfaced on social media, eagle-eyed users took note of Meghan Markle's 'Windsor' gown.

"Meghan Markle is desperate to have ties to Windsor's name. Her strategic marriage and un-strategic moves since then have backfired. Like a dress with the name gives her the legitimacy that continues to elude her!" a person wrote on X.

Another wrote, "But they have been trying to erase the Windsors from their lives completely, but here comes Mrs Sussex wearing a dress called 'Windsor', haha!! Even Mr and Mrs Sussex realise they are nothing without the real Windsors."

A third tweeted, "Did she really choose a dress called the Windsor Dress, or are you being cheeky for fun?"

However, a section of users supported Meghan Markle's choice of her dress.

"Honestly, I think people read too much into this stuff. She wears a dress and suddenly it's a secret message? Maybe she just liked the dress," a user tweeted.

Another person said, "Meghan is beautiful."

In 2018, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got married in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, located west of Buckingham Palace. They used to stay at Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate before renouncing their royal duties and shifting to California in 2020.