The predictions of royal family experts proved accurate as they correctly identified the reason behind Meghan Markle’s absence from Charles’ coronation. Speculation arose when it was revealed that Markle had chosen not to attend, suggesting that she wanted to avoid being overshadowed in a crowd of celebrities and preferred to receive focused attention at a different event.
The Duchess’s appearance at the Women of Vision Awards in New York validated this prediction. She orchestrated her arrival at the ceremony to resemble a royal presence, and her outfit ensured that she would not go unnoticed. Markle shimmered in a gold brocade dress, accessorized with a gold purse, earrings, diamond bracelets, and even gold sandals—a lavish ensemble that did not come cheap.
The dress, designed by Johanna Ortiz, was estimated to be worth around $2,000, while the Tom Ford sandals were valued at $1,500 and the Carolina Herrera purse at over $1,000. However, the outfit garnered criticism for being entirely inappropriate for the occasion. The Women of Vision Awards aimed to honor individuals who had made notable contributions to women’s rights, and unlike Markle, the other deserving nominees were dressed modestly, some in business suits and others in jeans.