Meghan Markle praised for 'body-positive message' in bump-hugging dress for first post-birth appearance
![The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reveal their newborn son to the world [Photo: PA]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1CKgDdLWUJmpW4y05eZPjw--/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/1.2/7YeWfdu8TZHMe_Q1NLEpWw--/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’.
While others joked that the royal made a brave decision choosing to wear white so soon after welcoming a newborn child.
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.
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.