At the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 9, 2020, Meghan Markle stepped out in one of her most recognizable royal-era shoe pairings: nude Aquazzura “Purist” pumps styled with a green Emilia Wickstead pleated midi dress.
The appearance marked one of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s final official engagements as senior working royals, but the lasting fashion takeaway was Meghan’s continued reliance on clean, neutral footwear silhouettes that worked across both formal royal events and modern tailoring.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020, in London, England (Credit: Instar / WENN / Phil Lewis)
Joined by Prince Harry, Meghan arrived alongside senior members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, for the annual service, which was attended by representatives from across the Commonwealth.
The event drew global attention not only for the royal dynamics surrounding the Sussexes’ transition, but also for the polished, carefully coordinated fashion on display inside Westminster Abbey.
Meghan Markle paired her emerald green Emilia Wickstead cape dress with nude Aquazzura pumps, using the soft neutral heels to streamline the bold monochromatic look while adding extra length to her silhouette
Meghan Markle wore a green pleated midi dress featuring a band collar, a button fastening, a fitted waist, long sleeves, a straight hem, and a back zip fastening
Against the formal backdrop of Westminster Abbey, Meghan leaned into the understated styling approach that became a signature during her royal years: tonal accessories, streamlined tailoring, and pointed-toe heels designed to elongate the leg without overpowering the outfit.
Meghan Markle rocked a William Chambers tulle hat and white gold Birks Snowflake Snowstorm earrings
Meghan completed the monochromatic look with a Gabriela Hearst “Demi” bag, a William Chambers tulle hat, Birks Snowflake Snowstorm earrings, and nude Aquazzura “Purist” pumps.
The Italian-made heels featured slim 75-mm stilettoes and sharply pointed toes, a combination Meghan frequently favored to create a longer, cleaner line beneath midi hemlines.
Meghan Markle’s nude Aquazzura pumps elongated her silhouette with their sharply pointed toes, low-cut vamp, and barely-there neutral leather finish peeking out beneath the emerald green midi dress
Crafted in Italy from smooth neutral leather, the Aquazzura pumps balanced practicality with polish.
Their low-cut vamp, slim heel, and elongated pointed toe helped visually lengthen Meghan’s silhouette while keeping the overall outfit restrained and formal enough for the historic church setting.
Nude Aquazzura Purist Pumps, $650
To see the interaction between Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William, and Duchess Kate Middleton, watch the below video of the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
How Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton Made Aquazzura a Modern Royal Footwear Staple
From Meghan Markle’s leg-lengthening nude pumps to Kate Middleton’s sharply tailored black Deneuve heels, Aquazzura became one of the defining shoe labels of the modern royal era.
The Italian brand’s clean lines, pointed toes, and elegant proportions fit seamlessly into both women’s polished wardrobes, offering a balance of formality and contemporary edge that worked for everything from Westminster Abbey appearances to evening receptions and engagement photocalls.
👠 Explore Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s Aquazzura Shoe Moments:
- 👑 Aquazzura’s Deneuve bow pumps became a quiet royal favorite, worn by both Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton with polished midi dresses and sharply tailored silhouettes.
- 🖤 Meghan’s black Aquazzura Deneuve pumps added a sleek finish to her Givenchy dress at the Royal Academy of Arts, proving how a pointed-toe heel can sharpen an all-black royal look.
- 💍 Her Aquazzura Matilde pumps gave her engagement photocall outfit a soft, leg-lengthening finish with nude suede, crisscross straps, and a refined d’Orsay shape.
- 💙 Meghan’s admiral-blue Aquazzura “Portrait of a Lady” slingbacks brought crystal embellishment and tonal polish to one of her most elegant royal-era evening looks.
- ✨ Her Aquazzura “Rendez Vous” heels paired classic pointed toes with metallic gold cuffs for a more modern take on royal-event footwear.
- 🤍 Kate’s black Aquazzura Deneuve pumps grounded her white Self-Portrait dress at the National Portrait Gallery, creating a crisp contrast that made the ladylike silhouette feel more defined.