Meghan Markle's Maxi Dress in Nigeria Included an Unexpected Nod to the Royal Family

The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in a dress dubbed the 'Windsor' gown for her first outing in Nigeria

Did Meghan Markle's first fashion moment in Nigeria include a nod to the royal family?

On May 10, the Duchess of Sussex, 42, arrived in the African country with her husband, Prince Harry, for their first official tour since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020. Meghan stepped out in a blush silk maxi dress with a high neck and cutout back from Heidi Merrick, her second outfit from the California label in recent weeks. Notably, the ensemble is named the Winsdor gown.

The House of Windsor is the name of the modern British royal family, adopted in 1917 by King George V to replace the historic name of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha amid anti-German feelings in the United Kingdom following World War I. The Royal.UK website explains that Windsor remains "the family name of the current Royal Family," though those close to the direct line of succession don't use it as their surname.

Related: All the Best Photos from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Nigeria Trip!

When Prince Harry and Meghan's children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 2, were born, their full names were announced as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Mountbatten comes from Prince Philip's side of the family, and the hyphenated last name has been used for descendents of Queen Elizabeth since 1960.

In February 2024, PEOPLE confirmed that Harry and Meghan adopted their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as the last name for their two children. Archie and Lili were afforded the titles of prince and princess when their grandfather King Charles became monarch in September 2022, and the Duke and Duchess used their children's royal titles for the first time in March 2023 when they announced Lili's christening.

PEOPLE understands that Sussex is their family surname. Using their titles as their children's last names follows the tradition used by members of the royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan were all smiles when they arrived for their first stop in Nigeria on May 10, stepping out to visit Lightway Academy in the capital city of Abuja. The Duchess of Sussex swept her long hair back into a low ponytail, accessorizing with gold earrings and her go-to stack of gold bangles plus watch — keeping the attention on the Windsor dress.

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Related: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Match Nigeria's Flag in Major Style Moment!

In a style choice often seen among members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wore white and green, mirroring the colors of the Nigerian flag, during their meeting with the Chief of Defense Staff in Nigeria on May 10.

The country's highest-ranking military official invited the couple abroad, and their busy itinerary continues on May 10 with time at Invictus Games-related charity Nigeria: Unconquered, a reception with military families and a solo event of Women in Leadership for Meghan.

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