Meghan Markle praised for 'body-positive message' in bump-hugging dress for first post-birth appearance
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![The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reveal their newborn son to the world [Photo: PA]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Xrpz2gQR0z5xBnmNFsQssg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0OA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/gAZrD84tjPQEsc0PLyOh0Q--~B/aD0yMDE0O3c9MzUyOTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5cd2c5f8200000310016e859.jpeg)
This afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex debuted their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world.
For the highly-anticipated reveal, the 37-year-old new mum dressed her post-baby bump in a sleeveless trench dress by Vogue Fashion Fund prize winner, Grace Wales Bonner.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry name their son Archie
The sartorial move further demonstrates Meghan’s independent approach to royal life and of course, only reminds us of her fashionable know-how.
She accessorised the designer ensemble with co-ordinating suede heels, a Jennifer Meyer turquoise necklace and kept her hair in loose waves - a far cry from her polished bun.
![The Duke and Duchess of Sussex debut their newborn son to the world [Photo: PA]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VODoisrPbUF0Z9spg4vgLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5cd2c16f200000310016e83d.jpeg)
The Duchess of Sussex was widely praised online for highlighting her post-baby bump with social media users crediting her ‘body-positive message’.
Dear Meghan Markle,
Thank you for coming out still with a little bump.
Signed,
Pregnant women everywhere. pic.twitter.com/mcpPTakGk3— Rachael Dierkes WTRF (@RDierkesWTRF) May 8, 2019
I very rarely have any opinion on Royal goings on, but I think it's brilliant that Meghan Markle chose to embrace her post-partum bump. Every woman is different after giving birth and it's great that someone high profile has been able to represent that.
— Amy (@AmyxJean) May 8, 2019
I know nothing about being pregnant but I enjoy the fact that Meghan Markle is showing off her post-baby bump so prominently with that belted dress.
— Elizabeth Sile (@esile1) May 8, 2019
It feels like she’s sending a really nice body positive message to new moms everywhere with this choice and I’m here for it.
— Elizabeth Sile (@esile1) May 8, 2019
I don't care about royal families, but I do care about the history of pregnancy & reproduction - especially our cultural obsession with postnatal bodies. So I love that Meghan Markle chose an outfit that shows off her post-baby bump. #NormalizeIt pic.twitter.com/hfQKhp5qZt
— Jacqueline Antonovich (@jackiantonovich) May 8, 2019
While others joked that the royal made a brave decision choosing to wear white so soon after welcoming a newborn child.
A white dress 3 days after giving birth? 😱 #BabySussex #MeghanMarkle
— Hayley Peters (@HayleyPetersPR) May 8, 2019
I LOVE the fact #meghanmarkle still has her post partum bump going on- but a WHITE dress!???? 😳😬🤭 #postpartum #royalbaby
— sLaPdAsH_mama (@susiepkmelb) May 8, 2019
The former actress previously wore a similar ensemble for a trip to the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in London on July 17, 2018.
For the outing, she demonstrated how to tackle a great British heatwave in a blush pink sleeveless trench by Canadian brand House of Nonie.
In a less-than-surprising statement, she teamed the protocol-breaking look with a co-ordinating £600 clutch by Mulberry and £520 Dior shoes.
But some royal fans were left disappointed that the self-confessed feminist decided to participate in the royal baby photocall just two days after giving birth.
One wrote [sic], “Just when I was cheering Meghan Markle for avoiding a royal baby perp walk in a fancy dress & heels as Kate always does, she shows up in a white(!) dress and stilettos.”
“All I wanted was for Meghan Markle to come on TV with her hair in a towel, face mask on, wearing a juicy tracksuit eating a snickers,” another added.
Just when I was cheering Meghan Markle for avoiding a royal baby perp walk in a fancy dress & heels as Kate always does, she shows up in a white(!) dress and stilettos. https://t.co/3X69CIX8RO
— Cynthia Needham (@CynthiaNeedham) May 8, 2019
Jeez. Feel quite sorry for Meghan Markle having to dress up and put makeup on right after giving birth. I'd be wanting to chill the F out.
— Ashiana Pradhan (@thetrufflegirl) May 8, 2019
All I wanted was for Meghan Markle to come on TV with her hair in a towel, face mask on, wearing a juicy tracksuit eating a snickers like I JUST HAD A BABY FUCK OFF PLZ, but nah she’s in a long white blazer dress , heels & a full face of makeup, wild.
— ⚜️ 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 ⚜️ (@lucyeversonice) May 8, 2019
my girls #MeghanMarkle gave birth like 48 hours ago and she already has to pretend to be awake, full face of makeup, pristine white dress and heels for the camera. deadset legend
— sarah 🐝 (@sarahbeeysian) May 8, 2019
Heartbreaking news from London: they made Meghan Markle walk down a very long hallway in a white dress just two days after giving birth.
— Shira Danan (@srdanan) May 8, 2019
The publicity move is a first for the royal family however, as the Duchess of Cambridge gave same-day Lindo Wing exits for all three children.
