Duchess Meghan’s bright and bold get-ups from her current visit in Fiji have undoubtedly been coveted by her passionate royal fan-base.
But it turns out there could be more to Meghan’s outfit choices than just plain good fashion sense.
In fact, her floaty bright dresses could be protecting her from something much more sinister than you’d expect.
READ: Duchess Meghan Markle’s best maternity fashion moments from her royal tour
Pregnant Meghan landed in Fiji on Tuesday despite health concerns from royal-watchers. (Image: Getty Images)
In light of Meghan and Prince Harry’s recent baby announcement as they began their 16-day tour of Australia and the South Pacific, the couple have been showered with well-wishes and baby gifts.
But some were quick to speculate whether it was safe for pregnant Meghan to visit Fiji and Tonga, both of which have had recent outbreaks of Zika virus.
The virus is transmitted via mosquito and can be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. The Australian Department of Health recommended that pregnant women delay non-essential travel to places that have been affected by the virus. Despite this, the couple went forwards with their visit to Fiji on Tuesday.
However, that’s not to say the Duchess isn’t taking precautions.
An expert weighed in on the game-plan for the pregnant 37-year-old while in the at-risk countries, and the answer is reportedly in her clothing choices.
Professor James G. Logan, Head of the Department of Disease Control at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine told People that Meghan’s loose and bright ensembles were a subtle deterrent to mosquitos.
This loose fitting ruffle dress by designer Figue was a smart (and stylish!) option for the Duchess. (Image: Getty Images)
So far, the Duchess has worn four different dresses which were not tight fitting – a good technique for keeping those pesky insects at bay.
“Baggy clothes will help,” Logan told People
“Mosquitos can even bite through jeans so if the clothing is loose it’s much harder for the mosquito to bite.”
On Tuesday, the Duchess arrived in Fiji in a long-sleeved white Zimmerman dress. According to Logan, wearing long sleeves will also help keep insects off the skin.
The reasoning behind Meghan wearing this white long-sleeved Zimmerman dress could have been related to her pregnancy health. (Image: Getty Images)
During her tour of Fiji, the Duchess has worn a bright blue SAFiYAA cape dress and an eye-catching pink and blue floral Figue frock, which again suggests there is merit to Logan’s theory.
“Wearing light-coloured clothing can help as these mosquitoes are often attracted to dark clothing. It also helps you spot them, if you see a dark mosquito on a light piece of clothing,” he said.
The Duchess opted for a brightly coloured gown for an evening soiree in Fiji. (Image: Getty Images)
On Thursday, the Duchess stepped out in Suva for the Unveiling of the Labalaba Statue wearing a moss green Jason Wu midi-dress. And while the style was slightly more fitted than her previous looks, the thick fabric looked tough to break through for a small mosquito.
The Duchesses Jason Wu dress turned heads on Thursday morning. (Image: Rex)
Logan also said it was likely the Duchess would be wearing a bug repellent which would provide a solid barrier against insects.
To assure any worried royal fans, Kensington Palace released a statement last week confirming the Duchess had sought medical advice before agreeing to proceed with the trip.
And while mosquitoes are one thing, there are plenty of other factors at play that could hinder Meghan’s first official tour with her husband.
On Sunday, the 37-year-old pulled out of an awards event after having a late night at the Invictus Games opening ceremony on Saturday night.
Harry is said to have encouraged Meghan to slow down a little, and told athletes at the following morning’s event that “pregnancy takes its toll”.
The next day, the couple travelled to Queensland, where the Duchess again took a step away from some of the formal engagements.
According to Hello! Meghan was advised not to attend two engagements that required travel over a bumpy path because it might have made her feel sick.
But Meghan couldn’t have looked further from feeling sick as she stepped out later that day with her husband in a stunning Reformation maxi-dress at Kingfisher Bay.
Rest assured, it looks like Meghan is in the best possible hands as she continues the eventful royal tour Down Under.
WATCH: Harry and Meghan step out in Queensland’s Kingfisher Bay:
