Meghan Markle shared a “powerful” moment during her  first solo appearance last week and there was a particular message she could have been trying to send, a style expert has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in LA last Saturday to attend a children’s hospital gala where she mingled with other celebrities including Demi Lovato, Kaley Cuoco, Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Hanks.

Meghan donned a striking red dress by Carolina Herrera, which she had previously worn in 2021. However, she opted to remove the overskirt for the new event.

The duchess has previously sported more neutral looks and even claimed she needed to wear muted hues during her time as a working royal.

Now a style specialist analysed the duchess’s look and explained how her bold choice could be signalling a new era after the restrictions of the past when she was a working member of the Firm.

Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at SilkFred, praised Meghan’s striking appearance in LA and told Express.co.uk: “Meghan’s choice to re-wear that stunning Carolina Herrera gown was an absolute showstopper.

“She gave the dress a modern twist by removing the dramatic overskirt, allowing the sleek silhouette and thigh-high split to take centre stage.

“It was a powerful yet refined look, and the bold red perfectly highlighted her elegance and confidence. Meghan’s decision to keep the accessories minimal, along with her flowing beachy waves and glowy make-up, really allowed the dress to be the focal point.

“It was sophisticated, fresh, and undeniably striking.”

The fashion specialist went on to explain how the duchess could be trying to communicate her evolution “personally and stylistically” as she showcased her new “confidence” and “individuality” in a bid to “break away from the [past] constraints of formality”.

Ms Watkins said: “The shift to vibrant, bold colours suggests a newfound sense of freedom and self-expression through style.

“As a working royal, Meghan likely adhered to more traditional, muted tones, but her move toward brighter hues reflects her evolution both personally and stylistically.

“It signals a confidence in her choices and perhaps a desire to break away from the constraints of formality.

“This boldness shows that Meghan is embracing her individuality and using fashion as a means to communicate her empowered, independent identity.

“It’s exciting to watch her experiment with colours that mirror her vibrant, modern approach to life.”