Meghan Markle’s go-to shorts are a nod to Princess Diana’s off-duty summer style

Meghan Markle often steps out in smart-casual outfits, that is, when she’s not attending glamorous events or premiers in striking gowns.

While she is known to favour long sleeve shirts, jeans, and classically tailored blazers in the warmer months, the Duchess of Sussex is also a fan of shorts.

On several occasions, the mother-of-two has been spotted wearing various pairs that flatter her slender figure and toned legs.

Complete with a high-rise belted waist and slightly flared shape, Meghan’s go-to styles are better known as Bermuda shorts.

And they were a trademark garment in the late Princess Diana’s summer wardrobe.

While the knee-grazing cut is more modest and appropriate for royal women, who are rarely seen wearing shorts on no-sporting occasions, the Bermuda style is also very on-trend.

Having come full circle since being popularised in the 90s by the likes of style icons such as Princess Diana, Meghan has been a clear fan of the stylish look for years.

Earlier in April the Duchess was seen sporting a pink tailored co-ord made up of shorts and a matching blazer. She teamed the standout look with nude stiletto heels and a plain white cami top to give the smart outfit a more relaxed edge.

The ensemble was in keeping with Meghan’s classic wardrobe but also appeared to be inspired by a look often worn by her late mother-in-law. In her adult life, Diana donned an array of blazer and shorts co-ords, one of her most memorable of which was a smart navy number.

The former Princess of Wales was photographed leaving a restaurant in London wearing a navy blue pair of Bermuda shorts complemented by a matching double-breasted blazer and a polka dot blouse.

Renowned as just one of Diana’s iconic outfits, Meghan donned an almost identical look in 2022 while attending Prince Harry’s polo match in California. The then 40-year-old donned the 90s-inspired look consisting of crisp white longline shorts and a black tie-front blouse complete with white polka dots.

Accessorised with an oversized black boater hat, matching sunglasses and black stilettos, Meghan was a picture of elegance in the knee-grazing shorts.

On another occasion in 1989, Diana stepped out in a smart black pair of Bermuda shorts and an oversized V-neck cricket jumper. Teamed with patent leather kitten heels for a more effortless take on the outfit, the look has since been recreated by Meghan, who looked equally as striking.

Last summer The Duchess was pictured in New York wearing navy shorts by Dior which she paired with a sleek white shirt, a Ralph Lauren brown leather belt, and Manolo Blahnik brown heels.

She even completed the look with Diana’s Gold Tank Française watch, perhaps as a sweet nod to her iconic fashion sense.

While the look was in keeping with Meghan’s “signature minimalistic style”, as described by royal style expert Miranda Holder, the inspired outfit was somewhat “daring” for a member of the Royal Family.

Speaking previously to Express.co.uk, she claimed that wearing shorts in public is against protocol, but it hasn’t stopped them from becoming synonymous with some of Meghan and Diana’s most iconic looks.