Heartfelt Message to New Bride
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, offered candid marriage advice to a bride-to-be during a recent visit to Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The 44-year-old duchess recorded a short video message at the request of Steve Barnach, president of the Bondi and North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
The message targeted nutritionist Ellie Barnach and her fiancé James ahead of their wedding. Meghan congratulated the couple and advised: “Enjoy the wedding, but it’s more about the marriage. Have a wonderful, beautiful marriage and a lifetime of love. Happy wedding day!”
Context of the Encounter
Meghan and Prince Harry visited the beach as part of their four-day tour in Australia. They met local surf lifesavers who aided victims of the December terror attack. Steve introduced himself and asked Meghan to film the personal video for his daughter.
Ellie and James exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony on April 19, coinciding with the tour’s final day. The video gained widespread attention online and appeared on morning news broadcasts.
Meghan’s Own Wedding
Meghan married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. The event drew 30 million global viewers. She wore a floor-length Givenchy gown designed by Clare Waight Keller, featuring long sleeves and a bateau neckline. Priced at £100,000, the dress reflected her effortless style, as Keller described it as “not overly feminine, but not really minimal either.”
Outfit Sparks Backlash
Meghan’s beach outfit drew criticism after appearing on OneOff, an AI-powered fashion platform. The post linked items like a £326 Matteau shirt and £700 suede bag, potentially earning her 10-25% commissions on sales.
Fans deemed it insensitive, given the meeting’s context with first responders from the Bondi attack. Initial images included Prince Harry, but the platform updated to a solo shot of Meghan after backlash. Her OneOff page showcases tour outfits from Australian designers like Karen Gee and St Agni, totaling £57,776 in value.
The platform describes its partnership: “She cares about fashion and was motivated to invest not only to expand her portfolio, but to help uplift the fashion designers she is a fan of.”
Recent Lifestyle Launch
Back in Montecito, Meghan introduced a Mother’s Day collection under her As Ever brand, featuring £47 scented candles. Signature Candle No. 506 nods to her son Archie’s May 6 birthdate, while No. 604 honors daughter Lilibet’s June 4 birthday. Product descriptions no longer reference royal titles.
