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Meghan Markle used fashion to send a powerful message to the Royal Family, following in the steps of Princess Diana, according to a fashion expert.

The Duchess of Sussex expressed her "individuality" through clothes after facing criticism during her UK stint.

As a senior member of the royal family, Meghan was restricted in what she could wear and limited in using the power of fashion.

However, much like her mother-in-law Princess Diana, she produced some of her most iconic moments in fashion after stepping back from the royals.

Fashion journalist Elizabeth Holmes spoke to PEOPLE and said both women used their dress sense to not only tick royal expectation, but also show individuality.

She said: "When they find their footing and when they know how to dress in a way that checks off all the royal boxes of expectations — but also displays their individuality and who they are — that's when I really smile. It's like they've hit their stride."

Ms Holmes' book, 'HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style,' looks at the fashion journeys of the royal women.

It was released on Tuesday and explores how trends were used by Diana and Meghan to express their feelings.

Similar to Princess Diana, the Duchess's decision to wear trousers was a nod to the late Princess, she said.

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This became apparent in 2018, even before the Royal Wedding, when Meghan wore a black suit by Alexander McQueen at her first evening engagement, rather than a gown.

"(The suit sent) a very strong message that she was here to work," royal journalist Victoria Murphy says.

About Diana, Ms Holmes said: "What I came to really understand and appreciate was the ways in which she delighted in fashion, and introduced emotion into the equation.

"She had these very distinct phases in her dressing and they track with the tumultuous personal life she was experiencing."

Although Diana was not as fashionable in the beginning, after marriage she received a makeover with the help of British Vogue editors.

In contrast, Meghan had already made her mark as a fashionista.

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"Meghan came to the family several steps ahead of Diana and Kate. Meghan was an accomplished actress and knew the language of clothing," said Ms Holmes.

"This is their whole job, to tell stories through clothes," added the author.

Her style showed her individuality because when she stepped into the Royal Family,"Meghan looked new and exciting, and modern, and sophisticated. She brought her Southern California relaxed vibe to a famously stuffy institution."

• Meghan Markle
• Princess Diana
• Royal Family

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