The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has long been associated with high-end luxury fashion, but during a recent humanitarian trip to Jordan, she made a striking style statement by choosing affordable high street attire. For a visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Amman, Meghan wore a £109 grey wool blend topstitched jacket from the Spanish brand Zara, a retailer also favoured by her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales.
Fashion Choices Reflect a Subdued Approach
This marked the second instance on the two-day quasi-royal tour where Meghan championed Zara, having previously sported a khaki t-shirt from the brand during a football game. She paired the jacket with black suit trousers and black heels, eschewing her usual stack of bangles and glittering diamonds. The only jewellery visible was her gold wedding band and Cartier Love bracelet, highlighting a pared-back aesthetic that aligned with the trip's serious humanitarian focus.
Supporting Mental Health Initiatives
Prince Harry and Meghan, aged 44, are in Jordan at the invitation of the World Health Organisation (WHO), with promoting mental health support as a key theme. During their visit to the rehab centre, which operates under Jordan's ministry of health and has a 40-bed capacity, the couple wrote heartfelt messages on a wall to encourage patients in recovery. Meghan's note, on orange paper, read: 'Congratulations on your dedication to your care. Wishing you continued healing and happiness.' Harry wrote on a yellow note: 'It's OK to not be OK. Trust each other. Congratulations on your recovery. Now share your courage and experience.'
Humanitarian Efforts and Food Distribution
Earlier in the day, the Sussexes visited the regional headquarters of World Central Kitchen, an organisation founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, a staunch supporter who appeared on Meghan's Netflix cookery show. The group coordinates and deploys a million hot meals daily across Gaza. During a video call with distribution leader Shadi Raed, the couple saw huge pots cooking ochre and rice, described as 'one of our most delicious meals for the Gaza people.' Wadhah Hubaishi, the response director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted challenges, noting that only 20 trucks of supplies arrive daily from Egypt, insufficient for the needs.
Emotional Encounters and Refugee Support
The trip also included emotional moments, such as Meghan meeting Jaber, a 17-year-old Gaza patient shot in the legs at the Specialty Hospital in Amman, where she expressed, 'I'm so glad you're getting the treatment that you need.' Additionally, the couple visited the Za'atari refugee camp, joining girls for a football session where Meghan scored a penalty, while Harry's shot was saved. Jordan has historically welcomed refugees, including Palestinians and Syrians, with recent waves from the Gaza conflict adding to the humanitarian challenges.
Diplomatic Appreciation and Broader Context
Philip Hall, the British Ambassador to Jordan, thanked the Sussexes for their visit, emphasising the appreciation for their support of UN and WHO efforts. The trip, informed in advance to Buckingham Palace, comes amid personal family developments, including the recent arrest of Harry's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though he denies wrongdoing. As the Sussexes conclude their tour, they plan to visit female leaders at the Jordanian Hashemite fund for human development and tour the King Hussein cancer centre, underscoring their commitment to global health and wellbeing initiatives.
