SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES 11/17***
It is Veterans Day in the U.S., and Harry and Meghan marked the occasion by visiting a military base in New Jersey, not far from New York City, where the couple dazzled at last night’s Salute to Freedom gala at the Intrepid Museum.
The Duke and Duchess hosted a luncheon for service members and their spouses at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where Harry and Meghan spoke with attendees about topics ranging from mental health to the importance of community.
Archewell shared this post today —
Today, November 11, is a day for reflection, honor, and admiration in many countries around the world.
In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations, it is Remembrance Day, an annual commemoration of those who died in world wars and in conflict. Families wear the Remembrance Poppy to memorialize soldiers whose lives have been taken, many lay wreaths, and coinciding with the moment when the Armistice was signed to end World War I—”the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”—there’s a period of silence and quiet observance at ceremonies held in the U.K. and across the world.
In the United States, it is Veterans Day, a national holiday to recognize and applaud all veterans of the U.S. military. Around the country, local communities gather and host events to celebrate those who served. And today at Arlington National Cemetery—which holds an annual ceremony to honor men and women who have worn the uniform during war and peacetime—the sacred Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is turning 100-years old.”
More from the Archewell site —
The Duke and Duchess believe that supporting the military community—which has supported, protected, and defended us—is among the most solemn obligations we have. Throughout the year, they have met with, volunteered alongside, and advocated for all those who have served or still do.”
More from Archewell —
As we honour and reflect on Remembrance Day in the UK, which shares a date with Veterans Day here in the US, my hope is for all of us to continue to support the wellbeing and recognise the value of our troops, veterans, and the entire military and service family. We and they are better for it.”
UPDATE 11/13: Additionally on Thursday, the couple visited with Afghan refugees who had arrived at Task Force Liberty, on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, which is a temporary home to more than 10,000 Afghan refugees.
Harry and Meghan spoke with Afghan women who recently arrived.
The couple also spent time with children who were in daily schooling.
As the couple toured one classroom where the students had been learning “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” to help with their English, Harry and Meghan led the children in singing the song, said to be one of the kids’ favorites.
The children were very eager to practice their new skills by saying phrases like “Nice to meet you.”
In one classroom stop, Harry and Meghan saw how the young students were learning conversational English, including the English words for colors, by using markers.
They left saying “Tashakur,” which means “Thank you” in Dari (Persian dialects spoken in Afghanistan).
Their visit came on their way back to California.
Team Rubicon—which Prince Harry has previously worked with after the 2015 Nepal earthquake and last year during the height of the coronavirus pandemic—is currently asking for gift donations to help evacuees living at New Jersey’s Task Force Liberty base via an Amazon wish list.
Meghan went from scarlet red for Wednesday evening’s gala back to black for today’s event…
Meghan wore a dress by Giorgio Armani — Draped Long-Sleeve Jersey Faux-Wrap Dress, $1695. Also available at Bergdorf here and Saks Fifth Ave here.
Here are some #RepliMeg options for the wrap dress —
Leota wrap dress, $138 / Prana wrap dress, $81
She wore her Giorgio Armani velvety leather court shoes with asymmetric top line, $675.
UPDATE 11/17: Meghan wore a medallion style necklace. We were thinking the necklace might be from Monica Vinader – the Ziggy Gemstone Pendant Charm on a 17″ adjustable chain, $205 (now $153), however Monica Vinader has said they don’t think it is from their collection. This is a good “get the look” either way.
Another thought is the Jennifer Meyer Hammered Disc Pendant necklace, $875.
Meghan brought back a piece we have not seen in some time, her Pippa Small Herkimer diamond ‘Almost’ ring. We first saw the ring at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in November 2018.
Thanks to Anne Young on Twitter for spotting this!
Once again she wore her staple bracelets and watch – Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank watch in 18k gold, the Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet and Jennifer Meyer 18k gold bezel tennis bracelet ($3000).
Meghan also wore a beige face mask. We were thinking it was from Banana Republic and had worn it before. We’re looking into this and will update the post with further information.
We’re not sure if we will see the couple again this weekend to mark Remembrance Sunday, but it’s possible. Check our social media accounts for updates.
Amelie says
I love how every once in a blue moon when Meghan wears a bright color, she immediately reverts back to her neutral mostly black uniform. But in this case, I think being surrounded by members of active military and Aghan refugees, the dark color totally makes sense. I love her professional wrap dress! I didn’t even know there were Afghan refugees in military bases near NYC, so their visit helped spotlight that for me.
Laura says
Wow, this dress is gorgeous on Meghan! It fits her so well, and is so professional, understated, elegant and classy. Simply stunning!
I would love a dress like this- definitely something you could dress up for cocktails, vamp up for a night out but classy enough to wear to work. Beautiful!
Amelia says
This is a beautiful dress and looks lovely on her. I hope she continues to wear this cut.
I saw on another post that they visited Afghan refugee families while at the military base. While I appreciate that the dress is subdued, I do think, however, that wearing a designer dress is inappropriate for such an occasion. There is a time and place for expensive designer outfits, but this engagement (like the school visit in New York) was not one of them. As presented here, there are more economical options that would have had the same visual effect and felt a little less tone-deaf.
NOTE: Admin Edit
WhatMeghanWore says
We’ve updated the post with the Afghan refugee visit – please scroll down on the post for the update. – Thanks, SC
Maureen says
Amelia, do you not think the Afghan refugee families might have felt a bit patronised if the Duchess had dressed down? Where exactly on the expense spectrum would you place an appropriate cost? Let’s take the head of the Royal Family as an example. I don’t think Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, or bespoke Angela Kelly are exactly affordable everyday items for the average citizen with whom she meets. If dressing expensively when meeting poor people is tone-deaf then I’m surprised you didn’t suggest Meghan should have left off her Cartier watch or expensive gold jewellery.
Genevieve Laclurc says
I like her in a V-neck style dress, it looks elegant here and gives the illusion of a longer torso. She looks great.
Lucy says
@Meg, I wrote *two* replies agreeing with you, and have no idea why they were deleted (??) I just realized I typed my email too quickly and there was a typo so I fixed it…hopefully that was the issue?
Anyway, I thought she looked just perfect. Flawless from head to toe! I am green with envy at how gorgeous her hair looked. Usually I have some tiny nitpick, but with this one, none— it’s absolute perfection.
Lucy says
Meg, my comment disappeared somehow but I’m with you, I absolutely loved it. (I hope someone finds a good dupe for that beautiful dress soon!) And I thought her hair looked so good that I actually took a screenshot to remind myself to take better care of my own hair! Flawless from head to toe, just gorgeous.
Laurie says
She looks lovely and happy. I would have chosen a different color rather than black. In the U.S. we celebrate Veterans Day in honor of those who have served, but not in remembrance of those who died in battle. That remembrance is on Memorial Day. Of course, it’s different in the U.K., where this is a much more somber and solemn occasion, so she may be trying to thread the needle between the two versions of the holiday.
WhatMeghanWore says
Laurie – I think her choice of wearing black is more of like her “uniform”. She seems to wear either neutral colors or black. You make a good point though that she could be trying to combine the two – between US and UK. – SC
Louise says
I agree with the poster Laura that this was a perfect dress for the occasion.
Also, I know personally how difficult it is to dress a short waisted , rectangle body type and have a closet full of designer pieces that I never wear because they just don’t look right., even with tailoring.
However, this dress is fitting her very well and giving the illusion of a nipped waist. I woul encourage her to stick with variations of this cut and style. Something similar in a dressier fabric in a subdued color would have been perfect for the gala.
At the risk of repeating myself, wearing a poppy (to signify the tragedy of war) with a bright and revealing dress seemed incongruous. The poppy on the black dress is much more appropriate.
Make-up is nice an subdued. Not a fan of the long hair.
Meg says
Everything about this looks is professional and appropriate for the occasion. I love Meghan’s hair like this.
Lucy says
Sue, I’m with you; I think she looked absolutely flawless. (I hope someone finds a good dupe for that beautiful dress soon!!) And her hair…I took a screenshot to remind myself to take better care of my own hair because she looks so gorgeous. I just think it’s perfect from head to toe! ❤️
Lucy says
I can’t edit my comment but I accidentally called you the wrong name! I’m so sorry. I meant I’m with you, Meg. ?
Dawn C says
As a veteran I appreciate this. I remember being far from home and seeing ‘normal’ people (those not in uniform or married to them) was always a treat. Especially when the USO came to see us in Germany! When I was in AIT (advanced individual training) for my job, a family had several of us over for Thanksgiving day for a home cooked meal and football games and it was so special. Those who haven’t served don’t realize just how much these things mean/meant to us.
Harry is definitely in his element when he’s with the troops and I’m so thankful for his continued support. And Meghan isn’t just along for the ride as she has always been supportive of our troops as well.
There isn’t much to see or say about how the dress looks on Meghan since we can’t really see it but I’m sure it’s lovely. I do wish she had gone for a dark navy blue or something not black only because this isn’t Memorial Day.
I do love her hair long and flowy (if that’s a word) and her make-up is simple and pretty though she doesn’t appear to be wearing any lip color but that’s tricky when wearing a mask. And not to go sideways with this but I’m really ready to be able to SEE people again, not just their eyes but their whole face. That’s all I’m going to say about that.
Laura says
Much much more appropriate than last night’s over-the-top display. Meghan today oozes professionalism & respect, which is exactly what our veterans deserve, today and every day. Can’t really see much of how this dress actually looks on her but it’s a classic look, very befitting & somber for the occasion. Great job today!!
Stef says
Adore the simplicity of this look. Very reminiscent of her pre duchess engagement looks she did in early 2018. This hairstyle is one of my favorites of her signature hair looks and I’m a big fan of her staple jewelry set. I remember when people had a lot to say about her spending a lot of money on dainty jewelry pieces and this seems to have shut them up. I must say she got me interested in creating my own staple set for everyday wear too. This one is a stand out for me from all the Remembrance Day looks she’s worn in the last few years.
Lucy says
Stef, could not agree more. Her hair looks amazing and I love stacked, dainty jewelry.
(EVERY time I try to wear my jewelry layered like that, it inevitably ends all tangled up, but I’ll keep trying!)