Duchess Meghan’s tour down under is fast turning into a full-blown fashion show as royal fanatics savour, dote and even purchase the ensembles worn by the stylish mum-to-be during her various outings.
But as she touched down for her Tongan leg of the tour on Thursday afternoon, there was one dress that really got us talking.
The colour in itself was enough, with the bright red design by British label Self Portrait looking striking on the Duchess as she stepped off the plane with husband Prince Harry on her arm.
In addition, how could we look past that adorable baby bump that just peeked through?
Finally, in a slightly unusual turn of events, some royal fans spotted a white swing tag hanging from the bottom of the dress – whoops!
But there’s something a lot more interesting about the frock that might surprise you – and it’s all to do with how the royal parents-to-be, well, came to be parents-to-be.
The custom red dress sported by Duchess Meghan as she landed in Tonga was designed in a surprising way. (Image: AAP)
Don’t mind the tag! Royal watchers were quick to point out the wardrobe mishap. (Image: AAP)
Emily Nash, royal editor at Hello!, revealed the couple had the dress designed back in April, and what’s more, they’d requested it have a flexible seam to cater for a growing tummy.
“For me, the most interesting thing about it was that the Creative Director was actually asked to design it back in April with a flexible seam, which suggests they knew a Baby Sussex might have been in the making,” she told Sunrise.
That means the pair were planning when to have their first child together before they were even married!
Meghan’s stunning red dress worn on her first day in Tonga was apparently designed with a flexible seam to cater to a growing baby bump! (Image: Getty Images)
Immediately following their wedding in May, which was viewed by millions across the world, speculations were rife on when the royal couple would start a family. And people were right to think it would be sooner rather than later.
After months of rumours, theories, and even claims from famous psychics on when the Duchess would fall pregnant, all was confirmed by Kensington Palace on October 15, while the couple were in Sydney ahead of the first day of their royal tour.
Since then, adoring fans have revelled in any and every nugget of information concerning the royal baby.
While the Palace said the baby would arrive during springtime in the UK, eagle-eyed spectators have been gathering all the evidence to suss out exactly when the baby will be born, and there have been more than a few hints to keep us on our toes.
Royal fans have been flocking to catch a glimpse of Meghan’s growing baby bump while she tours the South Pacific. (Image: Getty Images)
The Duchess herself fuelled rumours on a recent engagement in Sydney when she accidentally let slip the due date to a very famous Aussie – Missy Higgins.
The singer-songstress, who is also a mum herself, took to Instagram to gush about meeting the ever-poised Markle, writing: “What an honour to meet the beautiful Duchess today! She was such a sweetheart.”
“I said I felt sorry for her having to do all these meet-and-greets while 4 months pregnant!”
Understandably, the rumour mill was abuzz, with fans figuring the baby would be born some time in April.
Meghan met Missy Higgins while in Sydney, and the mum-to-be may have let slip a little too much information! (Image: Instagram / @missyhigginsmusic)
Furthermore, a new piece of jewellery royal-watchers have spotted on the 37-year-old could also suggests when we can expect her and Harry’s new addition.
Stepping out at an event for the Invictus Games on Cockatoo Island last week, Meghan wore three new rings by Canadian brand Ecksand.
According to fans on Twitter, the stacked rings all feature a gem stone representing the birthday months of Meghan, Harry and their new baby.
A green peridot stone represents Meghan’s August birthday, while a blue sapphire marks Harry’s September birth date. Finally, a diamond birthstone, placed in the middle of the two rings on Meghan’s finger, suggests the month their new addition is expected to arrive – April.
Fans of Meghan and Harry have also delighted in the pair’s baby-related anecdotes shared with members of the public throughout the tour.
Last week, while attending a cycling event at the Invictus Games in Sydney, a spectator called out to Harry: “Congratulations, I hope it’s a girl!”
To onlookers delight, Harry replied: “So do I!”
Watch the moment in the video below:
Post continues after video…
Meghan has also not shied away from her fans probing questions about the new baby.
While on a Melbourne tram during their one-day visit to the city last week, a student from from Middle Park Primary School who was travelling on a tram with the Duke and Duchess asked Meghan: “Have you got any names for the baby?”
Meghan was ready with an answer: “We haven’t decided. We’ve been given a long list of names from everyone and we’re going to sit down and look at them, have a talk about it,” she said.
