For any excited mother-to-be, the early weeks of pregnancy can be a challenge, with morning sickness and tiredness both common problems.
And until you’ve had that crucial 12-week scan, your baby news is almost certainly something that you don’t yet want to share.
For Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who has the eyes of the world on her every move, that means some clever fashion tricks to hide the fuller bust and thickening waist that are early giveaways of pregnancy. Here, Style Editor Dinah van Tulleken reveals how Meghan has successfully disguised her changing figure.
JULY 26: POLO CUP
With its bust-minimising V-neck and cap sleeves that broaden shoulders, this Carolina Herrera denim dress means that if Meghan is fuller across the chest (for many women, larger breasts are the first sign of pregnancy), no one will notice. Side pockets and a wide belt encourage the fabric to pleat across the tummy — cleverly concealing any sign of a swollen stomach.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
AUG 29: WEST END GALA
The stretch wool tuxedo jacket dress from Judith & Charles is a clever and very chic choice. Black is famously forgiving to lumps and bumps, and the high hemline and killer heels show off Meghan’s fantastic legs — distracting attention from everywhere else.
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Victoria Palace Theatre. (Dan Charity/Pool Photo via AP)
SEPT 6: PEACE CONCERT
This Jason Wu dress is the first clue that Meghan might be expecting. The ruffled front adds bulk to her bust and stomach, mimicking a pregnancy figure. Bright colours attract, rather than divert, attention too. She hasn’t worn anything so bold since.
Prince Harry and Meghan attend a gala concert. Picture: Reuters
SEPT 20: COOKBOOK LAUNCH
AN oversized Smythe coat draws attention to Meghan’s outer silhouette and makes it impossible to see any hint of a bump. But her body language, with a hand protectively shielding her stomach, tells another story.
Markle was joined by her mother for the launch of a cookbook. (Ben Stansall/Pool Photo via AP)
SEPT 24: SPORTS AWARDS
The Duchess’s Oscar de la Renta draped top, with its asymmetric peplum waist, is the perfect piece to hide a small bump. It pulls in at the waist before kicking out over the tummy and the V-neck draws the eye upwards. Teamed with Altuzarra flared trousers that balance out Meghan’s figure.
Duchess of Sussex attend the Coach Core Awards at Loughborough University. (Picture: Instagram/dianacatherinemeghan)
SEPT 25: ROYAL ACADEMY
This black Givenchy midi dress has a deep ‘V’ insert in velvet which disguises a fuller bust, while the sheer sleeves take attention away from Meghan’s middle. The gold clasp on the high belt draws the eye up, too.
Britain's Meghan (Front), the Duchess of Sussex, leaves after attending the Oceania exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. (Xinhua/Ray Tang)
OCT 12: ROYAL WEDDING
Meghan’s Givenchy coat skims her body and reveals nothing of her figure beneath — especially as only the top two buttons are done up, giving an A-line effect. Her bespoke hat from milliner Noel Stewart is a great distraction — as too are her trademark high heels, once again showing off her fantastic, slim legs.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan.