Royal Tour: Meghan Markle wears patterned dress from ethical Malawian brand for day one

Brand works with charity that provides training to disadvantaged women in Malawi

(WireImage)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in South Africa for their royal tour – and Meghan is already winning praise for her wardrobe choices.

The 38-year-old royal kicked things off with a patterned monochrome wrap dress by ethical Malawian label Mayamiko.

The lightweight cotton dress costs £69 and has already sold out online.

Mayamiko works with a charity set up by founder Paola Masperi that supports young creatives in Malawi by teaching them about sustainable and ethical fashion trading.

“The project currently provides training in sewing and tailoring as well as financial and business skills to local, disadvantaged women, many of whom are affected by the HIV pandemic or who are carers of HIV orphans,” the brand’s website states.

“After their training all trainees receive a recognised qualification as well as mentoring, guidance and access to a micro-finance scheme, enabling them to start their own business.”

Meghan marked her first official tour duty in the dress, which was inspired by African artisan prints, at the Nyanga Township in Cape Town.

Meghan was photographed dancing with locals at the Nyanga Township in Cape Town (PA)

The duchess paired the dress with a pair of Castañer Carina black wedge espadrilles, which she also wore on the couple’s royal tour to Australia in 2018.

The ensemble was Meghan’s second of the day, preceded by a casual outfit the royal wore on her British Airways flight this morning comprising a white shirt, white trousers and flats.