Meghan Markle has always been a beach person. It’s basically in her DNA. Long before the tiaras and the high-stakes royal drama, she was a California girl through and through, spending her days under the Malibu sun. But honestly, when you transition from a Hollywood actress to a senior member of the British Royal Family, your relationship with swimwear changes. Drastically.
The public’s obsession with the Meghan Duchess of Sussex bikini conversation isn't just about tabloid fodder. It’s actually a pretty interesting case study in how a woman’s identity is policed by public institutions. We’ve seen her style evolve from "The Tig" era—all cheeky bikinis and carefree vacation selfies—to a more guarded, curated aesthetic that respects (or at least acknowledges) the rigid expectations of the monarchy.
Why the Meghan Duchess of Sussex Bikini Interest Never Dies
There is a huge difference between being "Meghan Markle, the actress" and "Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex."
Back in 2017, when she and Prince Harry were just a fresh, exciting couple, the Italian magazine Chi published photos of them at a private resort in Jamaica. Meghan was spotted in a triangle bikini by the brand Solid and Striped. It was a total vibe—low-key, chic, and very much her own person. But these photos sparked a massive debate in the UK. Why? Because the royal family has an unwritten code about privacy and "modesty" that doesn't really account for a woman enjoying her vacation in 2026.
The internet went wild. Half the people were cheering for her "realness," while the other half were clutching their pearls. It was a mess.
From The Tig to The Firm
If you followed Meghan’s old lifestyle blog, The Tig, you’ve probably seen the "old" Meghan. She used to post photos from Tulum, Positano, and St. Barts. She loved a good Marysia scalloped swimsuit or a classic white button-down thrown over a bikini.
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- The Scalloped Look: She famously wore a black scalloped Marysia one-piece in a clip from their Netflix documentary. It’s called the Palm Springs Reversible. It's $398. It sold out immediately.
- The Beach Cover-Up: She’s the queen of the "I’m not trying" look. Think J.Crew tunics, Heidi Merrick linen shirts, and Madewell hats.
- The Protocol Shift: Once she became a working royal, the bikini photos stopped. We only saw her in formal beachwear—think the 2018 royal tour of Australia where she wore a striped Reformation dress on Fraser Island.
The "Authenticity" Struggle
Meghan actually talked about this recently. In an interview with Emily Chang on The Circuit in August 2025, she mentioned how "inauthentic" some of the royal dress codes felt. She specifically called out having to wear nude pantyhose all the time.
If she felt suffocated by tights, imagine the pressure regarding swimwear.
The royal family doesn't really do bikinis in public. Even when they are photographed on yachts, it’s usually from a distance, and there is a heavy emphasis on one-pieces or modest separates. Meghan, being a California native, naturally leans toward a more relaxed, skin-baring style that clashes with the "English Rose" image the institution prefers.
What People Get Wrong About Her Beach Style
Most people think she’s constantly trying to "break the rules."
The truth? She’s just dressing for the climate. If you're on a beach in Montecito in June 2025, you aren't wearing a coat. You're wearing shorts and a tank. Or a bikini.
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Critics often call her beach looks "frumpy" or "too casual" (like that white-on-white linen outfit she wore last summer), but she’s clearly moving toward a "quiet luxury" aesthetic. It’s less about being a bombshell and more about being a mom of two who wants to run after her kids in the sand without a wardrobe malfunction.
Ranking the Best Swimwear Moments
We don't get many "official" bikini shots anymore, and honestly, that's probably for the best given how toxic the commentary gets. But her influence on the industry is undeniable.
- The Marysia One-Piece: This is arguably her most famous post-royal swim look. It’s modest but has that signature "Meghan" flair with the scalloped edges.
- The Jamaica Bikini: The "Solid and Striped" moment that proved she was just a normal person in love before the world closed in on her.
- The "As Ever" Era: Her new lifestyle brand, As Ever, has been leaning heavily into the "coastal grandmother" vibe. It’s all about high-quality linens and sustainable fabrics.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Beach Style
If you want to channel that Duchess-at-the-beach energy without having a royal budget, here is the blueprint:
Invest in a "Hero" One-Piece.
Find a swimsuit with a unique texture or edge—like the scalloped Marysia style. It looks more expensive than a basic flat spandex suit.
The Oversized Shirt Trick.
Don't just use a cheap sarong. Grab a crisp, oversized linen button-down. Wear it unbuttoned from the waist up. It’s the ultimate "I have a house in the Hamptons" look.
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Protect Your Face.
Meghan is rarely seen on the beach without a wide-brimmed straw hat and oversized dark sunglasses (usually Celine or Mykita). It’s chic and, frankly, keeps the wrinkles away.
Stick to Neutrals.
White, cream, black, and tan. These colors look timeless and expensive. Avoid loud, neon prints if you want that polished Sussex aesthetic.
At the end of the day, the fascination with the Meghan Duchess of Sussex bikini is really about her transition from a private citizen to a public icon. She’s navigating that space between "Duchess" and "Human," and her wardrobe is the primary battlefield. Whether she’s in a $400 designer one-piece or a pair of $50 J.Crew shorts, she’s signaling that she is finally back in her element: the California coast.
To recreate the look, start with a high-quality linen shirt and a structured straw hat. These are the foundations of her "new" beach identity—one that values comfort and authenticity over royal protocol.