Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no strangers to being the target of criticism online.
The couple, who landed in Nigeria on Friday, were invited to visit the African country for the first time by Nigeria's chief of defense staff, the country's highest-ranking military officer.
When photos of the duo's visit began circulating online, social media users were quick to notice a subtle, possibly unintentional nod to Windsor.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear at the Lightway Academy in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Friday as they visit the country as part of the Invictus Games anniversary celebrations. (Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images)
Markle wore a long beige backless dress designed by Heidi Merrick, coincidentally called “Windsor.”
“Meghan Markle is desperate for ties to the Windsor name,” one user wrote at X. “Her strategic marriage and non-strategic moves since then have backfired. As if a dress with that name gives her the legitimacy that continues to elude her!”
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Meghan Markle wore a long beige backless dress designed by Heidi Merrick, called “Windsor.” (Abraham Achirga/Reuters)
“But they've been trying to erase the Windsors from their lives completely, but here comes Mrs. Sussex in a dress called 'Windsor,' haha!!” other wrote.
“She is desperate for benefits without duty,” another user wrote.
Some fans, however, immediately came to Markle's defense.
“Honestly, I think people read too much into this stuff. She's wearing a dress and suddenly it's a secret message? Maybe she just liked the dress,” one said. user commented.
Meghan Markle faced some criticism for her fashion choice. (Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images)
“Meghan is beautiful!!!” another wrote.
According to People magazine, the trip will also highlight the Invictus Games, which Nigeria participated in for the first time in September 2023.
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that the three-day visit is aimed at boosting the couple's popularity following their departure from royal duties in 2020.
“The couple needs positive public relations as they are often reminded of their failures,” Chard said. “They also seem to crave power and seek things to elevate themselves. The Invictus Games elevate them in the world of philanthropy and anything to do with Invictus is a guaranteed big press moment.”
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“Harry and Meghan will try to get as much press and attention as possible,” Chard continued. “I would be surprised if they didn't call group coverage. I wouldn't be surprised if they had Netflix cameras follow themespecially since one of the cultural activities is a game of polo… Your few days in Nigeria will have the feel of a real tour, even if it is a pseudo-real tour.”
The couple's trip is also intended to highlight the Invictus Games, which Nigeria participated in for the first time in September 2023. (Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images)
Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, told Fox News Digital that she wasn't surprised that a People magazine correspondent, in particular, was chosen to cover the trip. The couple has spoken openly about the British tabloids over the years and how the media impacted them as royals before stepping back.
“Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's communications team works with People magazine quite frequently,” Schofield explained. “Harry even appeared on the cover of their magazine while promoting his memoir 'Spare'. Harry and Meghan's motives couldn't be more transparent…the Sussexes desperately need positive press. They are in a position to control the narrative more carefully if they choose who has access to them.
“Your decision to give this access to a veteran People magazine reporter completely contradicts their Megxit manifestoSchofield alleged. “In January 2020, the Sussexes announced that they were changing their media strategy to 'ensure diverse and open access to their work.'”
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Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco and Ashley Papa contributed to this report.
