The Strategic Symbolism in Royal Interview Attire
In the first three episodes of the Sussexes' long-awaited Netflix documentary, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tell their love story within the white walls of their Montecito home while sitting on a white couch. The aura? Casual. The tone of voice? One pleading honesty. Throughout the cuts of old Instagram photos of their courtship and mentions of tribulations with the British press, one small detail remains constant: their down-to-earth ensembles.
When speaking directly to the interviewer, the couple make it a point to dress simply. Harry’s plain black t-shirt and Meghan’s white button-down shirt feel as if they’d just gone on a casual morning walk or made a quick run to the grocery store. They are free of loud embellishments and, therefore, forfeit any sort of overly manicured appearance. Innocent enough. But, when dealing with royals, one must remember that there is no such thing as a sartorial accident.
Throughout time, white clothing has been symbolic of purity, honesty, and innocence. In the Christian religion, Mary is often portrayed in a white cloak. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan’s innocent facade is ushered early on in the novel as Nick Carraway describes his first encounter with the old-moneyed woman and her friend, Jordan Baker, “like silver idols weighing down their white dresses against the singing breeze of fans.” Even when the late Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25 in 1952, she wore a white, intricately embroidered gown and cape to symbolize a divine appointment.
Sure, wearing white can just be an aesthetic preference, especially for Markle, whose past style choices have often featured a neutral color palette. But, in the case of a series where the couple is thoroughly describing their experience of victimization by the unfiltered British press, Markle’s choice of a white clothing—a beacon of innocence and purity—could also be seen as a strategic wardrobe decision.
And, it wouldn’t be the first time she's set the tone for an interview with her outfit. During Markle’s bombshell sit-down with Oprah in March 2021, her wardrobe was equally symbolic, albeit more obvious. While the black Giorgio Armani was certainly a more luxurious decision, the sentiment behind it is synonymous with what viewers are seeing in the recent documentary. On the dress, a printed white lotus flower sits on Markle’s right shoulder and in clear view of all camera angles. The flower is typically associated with rebirth, strength, and, once again, purity.
But, where else might we have seen such thought for attire in interviews with royals? In Meghan and Harry, Harry claims that Meghan’s relationship with the press is reminiscent of that of his late mother, Princess Diana's. Perhaps this is true in the case of a strategic wardrobe. In a similar tell-all interview with the BBC in 1995, Princess Diana described her experiences with the British royal family and press in a black Huntsman suit. The suit boasts the defined structure of British tailoring, but its color is certainly a nod to the solemn and defeated tone of the overall interview with Martin Bashir. Princess Diana was no stranger to fashion, colors, and embellishments in her life. In fact, she was a master at them, having understood the importance of proportions and tailoring throughout her wardrobe choices. It’s just a black suit, one may think. But, for a woman who knew the implications that the Revenge Dress would evoke to the public at the Serpentine Gallery in 1994, a black suit worn for a widely broadcasted tape was hardly a random choice.
Even King Charles has played the game. In the documentary responsible for the revenge dress, Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role, King Charles is seen portraying a life not as a royal, but as a family man. He’s playing with his children near the creek and lounging on a set of outdoor steps while chatting with a friend. For the interview shot outside, he dons a simple navy sweater over a light blue button down shirt to signal his casualness. In other shots, Charles is seen in a light gray coat over a similar light blue shirt topped with playful striped tie. Conveniently for him, the color blue is typically associated with loyalty, honesty, and trust. It is also a popular suit color for our politicians.
Come December 15, a second batch of Meghan and Harry episodes will be released. While the wardrobe decisions are still unknown, the duo have made their intention to plead innocence clear. As for viewers, it’s important to remember to never underestimate the power of clothing, especially when it comes to a royal affair.
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