Meghan Markle Turns 43: Her Glamorous Year in Photos

Meghan Markle’s high-profile fashion choices have become one of the most closely watched aspects of her public life since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.

The duchess has debuted a broad range of styles from pant suits and coat dresses to elegant eveningwear and gowns.

On August 4, Meghan celebrates her 43rd birthday. It’s a date she shares with another royal who in her lifetime was famous for her style, the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Since her split from the monarchy with Prince Harry in 2020, Meghan’s professional and philanthropic moves have been heavily anticipated and scrutinized. Her 42nd year was one of exciting change and new ventures.

The duchess signed a new podcasting deal with Lemonada Media to re-release her Archetypes series and to produce an all-new show, the details of which have yet to be announced.

Meghan is also working on a new Netflix show based around her love of entertaining and she also soft-launched her American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand.

Here, Newsweek takes a look at Meghan Markle‘s glamorous year in photos as she celebrates her 43rd birthday.

‘Renaissance’ Night Out

Shortly after her 42nd birthday, Meghan Markle was spotted among a sea of celebrities who flocked to the SoFi Stadium in California to watch a performance of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour.

The duchess attended with Prince Harry and later a photograph from the evening was released where she posed with Destiny’s Child singer, Kelly Rowland, and Scandal actress, Kerry Washington.

Invictus Glamour

For the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Germany in September 2023, Meghan made a glamorous appearance in a teal blue strapless dress with laser cutouts by the brand Cult Gia.

World Mental Health Day Statement

To mark World Mental Health Day in October 2023, Meghan wore a statement all-white off-the-shoulder pantsuit designed by Altuzarra as she attended the Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit as part of the Project Healthy Minds festival in New York City.

Power of Women

A month later, in November, Meghan made a striking return to the red carpet as she attended the annual Variety Power of Women gala in Los Angeles, wearing a custom asymmetric gown by Proenza Schouler.

Movie Premiere Poise

Another red carpet appearance was made by the duchess alongside Prince Harry in January 2024, where the royals joined Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love.

Meghan wore an elegant black bodice with spaghetti straps, accompanied by a voluminous black ballgown skirt from Carolina Herrera.

Vintage Chic

In February 2024, Meghan accompanied Harry to Canada where they attended events in Whistler and Vancouver to mark the one-year waypoint to the 2025 Invictus Games.

At an event held on an ice hockey rink, Meghan opted for a vintage-inspired look featuring a wrap coat from the brand Sentaler and chic leather gloves from Max Mara.

Women in Media

Meghan attended the South by South West (SXSW) media conference in March 2024 where she participated in the panel titled: “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen.”

For the event, the duchess wore a coordinating blouse and skirt set from the brand Giuliva Heritage.

Polo Apparel

California-based fashion brand Heidi Merrick was Meghan’s choice of outfitter for her trip to the Royal Salute Polo Challenge at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, with Prince Harry in April.

The duchess’ dress featured a halter neckline, which she is known to favor, and a daring midriff cutout above the navel.

Royal Tour Sparkle

In May, Harry and Meghan traveled to Nigeria for a number of official events connected with the country’s participation in the Invictus Games.

For a reception held in the capital city of Abuja, Meghan wore an all-white column dress with a strapless cropped neckline from the brand St. Agni.

Awards Show Style

Meghan debuted another classic halter neck dress for an appearance at the ESPYS in Los Angeles where Prince Harry was presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service in July.

The duchess’ white silk gown featured a side slit and covered buttons and was custom designed by the team at the fashion house of Oscar de la Renta.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III and Queen Camilla, William and Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We’d love to hear from you.