Meghan Markle turned heads last week when she and Prince Harry visited Jamaica, but it was not just her stylish black ensemble that stole attention.
The Duchess of Sussex’s classic French manicure with beige polish and bright white tips, sculpted into a square shape, broke with tradition preferred by the Queen for royal engagements.
Meghan Markle’s French Manicure in Jamaica
Royal protocol typically calls for women of the royal family to sport neutral nail polish colors and rounded shapes for a classic, understated style.
The late Queen Elizabeth II famously wore Essie brand ‘Ballet Slippers,’ a pale sheer pink, often paired with soft square nails.
Kate Middleton also follows this style guidance in her royal role as Princess of Wales.
But Meghan eschewed the subtle look during her latest outings in Jamaica, donning an eye-catching, darker beige base coat on short, square nails with crisp white French tips.
Her bold manicure choice while abroad suggests a move toward freedom and independence after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 with Prince Harry.
According to nail expert Seriah Leslie, while French manicures and square nails were hugely popular in decades past, the white-tipped look carries symbolism for the renegade royal.
“Queen Elizabeth was the pioneer for this as her favourites were Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’ and ‘Mademoiselle,'” Leslie said. “Since Meghan has left her royal duties, we’ve seen her branch out in different new trends from dark nails to now the classic French manicure which symbolises freedom and independence while sharing her own genuine creative flare.”
Though classic, Meghan’s glossy beige and white manicure hints at her intent to forge her own path outside the constraints of tradition.