Meghan Markle's 'odd' reason for wearing £120,000 outfits on Nigeria tour

Meghan Markle may have left the Royal family over four years ago, but according to one expert, she still carries herself with a regal air. This was particularly evident during her recent high-profile tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry.

Despite no longer being part of the Firm, the Sussexes' three-day visit to Nigeria bore all the hallmarks of a Royal tour, attracting scrutiny from observers. Meghan's wardrobe for the brief trip alone is estimated to have cost around £120,000, raising eyebrows amongst Royal watchers.

The Duchess began her 72-hour Nigerian tour in a £450 peach maxi dress by Heidi Merrick, complemented by vintage gold earrings, a matching necklace worth £1,453, and a £50,000 ring by Lorraine Schwartz. She completed the ensemble with a £4,391 diamond hex tennis bracelet and a £20,824 golden yellow Tank Francaise watch.

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Royal commentator Jennie Bond questioned Meghan's choice of such lavish attire for the visit. Speaking on Times Radio, she said: "Perhaps Meghan felt that was what was expected of her because she does still feel royal even though she doesn't want to be part of the royals. I find that a bit odd personally, but she looked great."

Bond later added: "I personally have a bit of a problem with Meghan or anyone, including members of the Royal Family, wearing such expensive outfits and dripping with jewels that are worth thousands and thousands of pounds when you're going somewhere like Nigeria.", reports the Mirror.

"Personally, I don't see how you do that, it feels a bit out of tune when most Nigerians are thinking where the next meal is going to come from. But it's not only Meghan who does that, the royals do as well."

Harry and Meghan are eager to undertake more tours in the future, with rumours suggesting they have received invitations from other nations. However, this will only widen the gap between the couple and the British Royal family.

A former employee told the Daily Beast: "Overseas visits might look like jollies, but they are actually a matter of foreign policy. They are about promoting the U.K. and building diplomatic and trade alliances on behalf of the government."

"Harry and Meghan have different priorities because they are no longer working royals. But of course the vast majority of the world is ignorant of such distinctions and regard Harry and Meghan as every bit as representative of the Royal family as William and Charles, so if these rival foreign tours become a regular thing, it could muddy the waters."