Meghan Mark III has arrived

So, the old Meghan is back. The old Meghan being the one who wears accessibly priced brands, stiletto heeled pumps (hold on, did they ever go away?), an interesting earring and a messy-in-a-good-way bun. Oh, and most pointedly, a Canadian tuxedo – not of the double denim variety, mind – but literally a black tuxedo dress by Canadian label Judith and Charles (cost £327). All of which recalled phase one of Meghan Mania, when she first emerged in the global spotlight – pre-firm, pre-wedding, pre-dutiful duchess – the carefree champion of unknown fashion brands.

What does the Suits- era tux – cut to curve, plunge and so short she self-consciously tugged at its hem in a failed bid to conceal those famous legs, bare legs – tell us about Meghan now? Could it be that phase two is already over? Phase two being the couture, the polite midihems, the stiff bateau necklines, acceptable hosiery and not a single hair out of place. All that perfection that seemed to somehow swallow her whole, suffocating her innate sense of style, her own lack of freedom semaphored in her choices of stifling uniform (no matter how beautiful), so desperate was she to fit the conventional brief of ‘How To Dress As A Modern Royal’.

As correct and honourable as it was, it’s a relief to see Meghan Mark III throwing out the rule book. Confidence intact ( you’d have to be confident to wear a dress as brief as this), supporting lesser-known brands, taking a risqué risk, finding her fashion self again. That’s modern royalty for you. Or it should be. Don’t we all want less of the duchess decorum and more original, personal, unique style? Long may it continue. With any luck, at London Fashion Week later this month. The British fashion industry could use a splash of Meghan magic and, crucially, her support – particularly those little-known brands.