The Duchess of Sussex sent royal fans wild when she debuted a sleek new hairstyle during a live speech at a digital global leadership summit yesterday.
Meghan Markle, 38, appeared via video link from home to speak about the fight against gender and race inequality in an address to young women around the world for the UN initiative Girl Up.
Followers were quick to take to Twitter to praise her 'flowing hair' and said it is part of her return to 'celebrity hotness' now that she is living in the US and has left royal life.
Celebrity hairstylist James Johnson told FEMAIL that the stunning new look gives Meghan a 'professional' feel but maintains a level of 'coolness' befitting of her Los Angeles lifestyle. He also pointed out that the style is easy to do at home and makes her look more 'current' like an influencer, rather than a royal.
Social media users were divided over how Meghan was able to achieve the latest look, with some speculating she might be wearing extensions.
However others noted Meghan has naturally 'thick, long hair' and that straightening would give the appearance of additional length.
Overall the appearance was met with widespread excitement from fans, who said Meghan was a 'queen' and had returned to her 'celebrity hotness'. One tweeted: 'Meghan Markle bringing full Los Angeles celebrity hotness for the UN speech. No more royal hairstyles, covered shoulders or minimal make-up. She is back!'.
Body language expert Judi James noted the engagement was significant as it represented the 'relaunch' and 'rebrand' of Meghan.
Dressed in a cobalt blue top, Meghan spoke in front of a plain wall at Tyler Perry's LA mansion, where she is currently staying with Prince Harry, 35, and Archie, one.
She told participants that they must challenge world leaders and executives to fight major issues including racial injustice and gender inequality, as well as gun violence, mental health awareness, and the reform of the criminal justice system.
Quoting the Dalai Lama, Meghan said that she, her husband and Archie would be cheering change-makers on, as she continued: 'I challenge you to broaden that feeling. The Dalai Lama famously said, "Compassion is the radicalism of our time."'
The duchess also addressed the 'power' of social media, noting that it has the potential both to 'aid' and 'impair' the fight for justice.
'Our online role has the power to affirm and support as much as it does to harm,' she noted. Speaking about dealing with negativity in all forms, Meghan shared her advice for how to handle it, both in person and online, telling the summit participants that they must learn to drown out the 'noise' of negative voices and prioritize positivity.
