Duchess Meghan Markle is already known for her impeccable style and passion for women’s empowerment, as she made a stunning appearance at a Women in Leadership Nigeria, on Saturday (May 11).
The event, co-hosted by Meghan and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, aimed to spotlight the significance of female leadership in driving positive change globally.
Meghan caught everyone’s attention with her choice of attire—a ravishing red gown by a fast-rising Nigerian designer, Orire. The dress featured delicate straps and a striking ruffled bottom, emphasizing Meghan’s elegant style.
Photo credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images Meghan Markle speaking during Women in Leadership Nigeria, alongside Mo Abudu and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The Duchess opted for minimal accessories, including a diamond tennis necklace, gold bangle bracelets, and a diamond ring to complement the bold color of the gown. Her sleek bun hairstyle and nude stilettos added the perfect finishing touches to her look.
Photo: Twitter.com/NOIweala Meghan Markle with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Prince Harry at Women in Leadership Nigeria.
The panel discussion, attended by 50 influential women from various sectors of Nigerian society, was moderated by media mogul Mo Abudu. Meghan, who seemed thrilled to be in Nigeria, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received.
She humorously acknowledged the vibrant fashion sense of Nigerians and playfully mentioned her need to incorporate more colors into her wardrobe to match the locals’ impeccable taste.
Photo: Twitter.com/NOIweala “Well, firstly, thank you all so much for being here,” the Duchess said when Abudu asked how she felt about finding out she was Nigerian.
“I am just flattered and honored and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion. I am very overwhelmed. So I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country,” she said before adding to applause, “my country.”
Meghan further explained that she first called her mom when she found out the country was her heritage “because I wanted to know if she had any awareness of it.” She added that discovering more about their African-American background was “really eye-opening and humbling.” This, however, prompted Abudu to jokingly ask the audience to suggest a Nigerian name for Meghan. And names like Ifeoma (a beautiful and good person), Omowale (a child has come home), and Edidiong (blessing) were showered on the Duchess.
Photo credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images Meghan later spoke on the impact of representation and as she pointed out, success is about shifting generational patterns. “You need to at least be a familiar face for the next generation to say, ‘oh, she looks like me. And I can be that.’” she added “Success isn’t defined by leaving home, but rather from coming home and shifting generational patterns. I hope that I could do justice to the role model that I think so many young women deserve to have.”
For Meghan, being a role model is adapting to change as she referenced her life as a fortunate mom to ‘two chatty sweet children.’ “You can be a woman, you can be beautiful and intelligent. You can be powerful and playful, and they can coexist.” “[Work/life] balance will always change for you. That balance, what seems balanced 10 years ago is going to shift. And so being a mom has always been a dream of mine. And I’m so fortunate that we have two beautiful, healthy, very chatty sweet children,” she said.
The event marked another milestone for Meghan and her husband Prince Harry, who have been actively involved in charitable initiatives since arriving in Nigeria on Friday for a three-day tour.
Before the event, she and Harry attended a training session for the charity organization Nigeria: Unconquered, where she was photographed in a cutout zebra-print dress from Johanna Ortiz. The Duchess wore the look with a pile of gold bangles and matching large gold earrings.
The mother-of-two was also seen sporting a white strapless gown — a complementary look to Harry’s cream linen suit during a reception hosted by the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff in honor of military families. The Duchess of Sussex kept the look minimal with accessories as she opted for a gold pendant necklace.
Photo credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images The Duchess has been serving gorgeous looks since arriving in Nigeria in a sleeveless silk dress in a soft peach shade — after which she changed into a sleek white suit with flared pants. for her second engagement with Prince Harry.
