Is this why Meghan Markle keeps wearing black to royal engagements?

You'd have to be blind not to have spotted that Meghan Markle appears to have a fondness for the colour black.

Like, a serious fondness. We've been seeing more and more of the Duchess of Sussex over the year as she settles into her role in the royal family. She clearly favours simplistic, neutral looks for her public appearances and black has become something of a go-to for her. Meghan stepped out for her first royal engagement without her husband last night and once again donned her favourite colour - a long-sleeved LBD by Givenchy. It's something that not all fans are mad about, with several complaining that they'd like to see her wear more colour.

I just a little confused as to why Meghan Markle is always wearing black. I mean she looks gorgeous, I just feel like she should wear something other than black.

— thatJewishprincess (@HopeDanaG) September 9, 2018

Meghan..Always in black.. why!!?

— Cristina (@Missi65) September 25, 2018

I kinda like seeing her with her mom. But she's wearing black again. What is it with her and black dresses??? #MeghanMarkle ⚡️ “Meghan Markle was joined by her mother for the launch of charity cookbook”https://t.co/SlKHAWA8yb

— G (@GoPixie18) September 21, 2018

Wow she looked stunning like always but why is she always wearing black? She looks in everything good no matter what but I would like to see her more often in colours☺️? love, L

— Meghan Markle (@MeghanM59838534) September 26, 2018

But some royal watchers reckon that Meghan is purposefully choosing black ensembles in a bid to stay out of the limelight. Her pared-back outfits allow the causes she champions and people she meets to take centre stage, they argued.

"I love that she dressed in black so that the kids will really be the stars of the night," wrote one commentator on social media after Meghan and Harry's appearance at the 2018 WellChild Awards earlier this month. "This was all about the kids, and it is so clear in the photos that Harry and Meghan knew what to emphasise," another posted.

It may be the case that Meghan is simply comfortable in black - but we reckon she's making a statement about her role by choosing this colour.