Meghan Markle has been pictured for the first time since the news of Princess Kate’s health battle was revealed – and a fashion expert has claimed the Duchess of Sussex was sending a message.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is believed to have sent a secret fashion message to her sister-in-law, Princess Kate, during a recent visit to a children’s hospital.

The Duchess was seen reading to patients and staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) as part of a literacy campaign. She took part in the hospital’s Make March Matter campaign last month (March 21), reading books such as Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat, and I Saw a Cat.

The mum-of-two was photographed with the children, who were clearly enjoying the stories as part of the CHLA Literally Healing scheme.

However, it’s Meghan’s outfit that has caught attention. Her white floral dress by Oscar de la Renta, ballet flats and natural makeup are thought to be a peace offering to Kate, hinting at a possible end to their reported feud.

Meghan gave a subtle message

She is is believed to have sent a secret fashion message to her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton (Image: BBC/GETTY)

Fashion editor Amber Graafland told Fabulous: “The Royal Family are renowned for using their clothing to convey subtle messages and Meghan has learned to be adept at using her clothes to shift perspectives. The Duchess was clearly sending a message with her floral ensemble.”

Graafland said: “Synonymous with purity, optimism and friendship, flowers represent growth and bloom, and rather poignantly, flowers symbolise forgiveness.”

She wondered if the idea of forgiveness could be from Meghan to Kate, especially considering the recent health news about the Princess of Wales. Graafland also mentioned that the Duchess of Sussex is “keen to put events of the past few years behind her” and wants to move on and rebuild.

Meghan and her husband Prince Harry have had a tense relationship with the rest of the Royal family since they decided to step back from their Royal duties in 2020. Over the past few years, Meghan and Harry have made comments about their time in The Firm, which haven’t always painted other members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Princess Kate, in the best light.

Prince Harry discussed tensions between Kate and his wife around his and Meghan’s wedding in 2018, including a fallout over bridesmaid dresses between Meghan and Kate.

In his autobiography Spare, Harry shared personal text messages between Meghan and Kate during the disagreement over Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress. According to Harry, Princess Kate messaged Meghan to say that Charlotte’s dress didn’t fit right.