Be still our beating hearts – it’s less than a week until Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan arrive on Australian shores, and it’s safe to say our excitement levels are peaking.
During their week-long tour of the land Down Under, the royal pair will partake in a number of novel activities such as climbing the harbour bridge, riding a tram and holding a koala.
But the thing we’re most excited about? Seeing what style icon Duchess Meghan will wear, of course!
Markle has raised the royal style stakes since her royal wedding to Prince Harry in May.
There’s no doubt the Duchess of Sussex will don some trendy looks during her visit to Australia, especially if her post-royal-wedding style is anything to go by.
And lucky for us, wearing local designers is part and parcel for royals on tour.
Royal expert Myka Meier weighed in on the tradition: “When travelling, we often see the royals adopt the customs and culture of the country they are in,” she told Cosmopolitan US.
“For instance, if in a country they visit it’s a sign of respect to dress in a certain way, they will do so. Often we see royals wearing outfits from local designers, too, to show respect and support for the country they are visiting.”
That can only mean one thing: Meghan’s going to be wearing a whole lot of Aussie fashion labels during her tour next week, and it’s welcome news for the Australian fashion industry.
READ: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s Australia Tour: Dates, Cities & Details
Meghan’s style is influencing fans the world over.
Dubbed the “Meghan effect”, the Duchesses previous ensembles have been known to sell out quick-smart after she’s been photographed wearing them to royal engagements.
In August, a Club Monaco colour block dress sold out just hours after Meghan was seen wearing it to Harry’s friends wedding.
And even back in March, a chic J.Crew navy blue coat Harry’s then-fiancee wore actually crashed the designer’s website as fashion-fanatics rushed to purchase it.
Given the Duchesses strong fashion influence, we’re sure the Aussie brands the she wears throughout next week’s royal tour will experience a solid sales boost.
Meghan’s Club Monaco dress (left) sold out within hours of her wearing it, while her navy blue J.Crew coat (right) caused the designer’s website to crash as fans flocked to buy it!
Now, the most important question on our minds – who will the Duchess wear?
Weighing in on the highly-anticipated tour, style experts told the Daily Telegraph that Zimmermann, Camilla and Marc and Ralph & Russo are among the top contenders to feature in Markle’s wardrobe.
But other Australian designers shouldn’t rule themselves out just yet – the Duchess has been known to wear up to three outfits per day during her royal duties, so there’s going to be ample opportunity to be included!
Some fans have already started envisioning the Duchess in her Australian ensembles. Instagram user and illustrator Alexandra Nea Graham has drawn a series of pictures depicting Meghan in specific dresses by Australian designers.
One such drawing shows the 37-year-old wearing a Camilla and Marc design that seamlessly fits into the Duchesses style aesthetic.
Alexandra said the dress would be perfect for the official reception at Government House in Melbourne: “Elegant & sleek, meeting Victoria’s up and coming young leaders and community powerhouse players. (I think I hear the @suits_usa wardrobe department calling..)” She captioned the pic.
Another drawing has Prince Harry’s wife wearing a stunning Ginger & Smart dress in a blush colour.
“I thought this @gingerandsmart Frock just perfect for a reception event at Admiralty House, mingling with a lucky select group of Aussies, showcasing their talents from all walks of life,” Alexandra wrote.
“In Meghan’s favourite shade of blush she would look effortlessly beautiful.”
The talented illustrator created the drawings in conjunction with The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and they’ve evoked a popular response from royal fans.
One fan commented: “Love ’em all. Super talented sketch artist! Keep ’em coming and may you continue inspiring others like me.”
While another wrote: “This is awesome! A great way to count down!”
Suffice to say we’re excited to see what’s to come in Meghan’s suitcase as she heads to the Southern Hemisphere!
WATCH: Duchess Meghan reveals the special way her wedding dress paid tribute to the Commonwealth:
