Prince Harry was one of the House of Windsor’s most popular members before leaving royal life behind and moving to California for a fresh start with his wife, Meghan Markle. As he’s matured, Harry’s style transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. This shift led a royal commentator to claim the prince has gone from “schlubby bachelor” to “debonair dude.”

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Prince Harry has undergone a dramatic transformation

Royal reporter Daniela Elser of News.com.au penned an editorial about how much Prince Harry has transformed since marrying Meghan Markle. She credits the former Suits star with teaching Harry the importance of style.

“He used to be a man best known for his untucked, rumpled shirts and a certain lager-dribbled unkempt laddishness. GQ was not about to come calling; his ensembles were more human beer coaster than hedge fund bro-cool,” Elser wrote.

“And then along came Meghan, like a fairy godmother in floral Erdem, who took her prince and magicked him from schlubby bachelor, a man barely on speaking terms with his iron, to often now debonair dude,” Elser continued.

Did Prince Harry truly care about fashion before meeting Meghan Markle?

Prince Harry photographed during a visit to the Semongkong Children's Centre on June 17, 2010 in Semongkong, Lesotho.Prince Harry photographed during a visit to the Semongkong Children’s Centre in 2010 in Semongkong, Lesotho | Samir Hussein/WireImage

For years, the media gently pointed out Prince Harry needed a style makeover. Harry played into the press’s assessment. Some questionable fashion choices made him appear very un-prince-like.

Harry typically favored comfortable clothing over the standard royal suits and dress shoes. While he cleaned up nicely, Harry was more interested in wearing casual duds.

The Duke of Sussex did little to dispel the rumors in the pages of his book, Spare. He admitted to quickly grabbing clothing off the rack at discount British retailer TK Maxx (not to be confused with America’s TJ Maxx) in the minutes before the store closed for the day.

Since marrying Meghan, Harry looks less “schlubby” and more put together. He typically favors neutrals and the occasional pop of color. When he does wear a suit, it is tailored to his body versus the days when his suits appeared too big.

Whether Harry’s overall style has been changed by his fashion-forward wife’s influence is unknown; the duke may be taking a cue from Meghan. She understands that image is everything. It appears that he’s let go of a more relaxed way of dressing and ultimately embraced looking like a “debonair dude.”

Harry is now a fan of designer duds

Prince Harry has quietly transformed his closet into a brand-name wardrobe since marrying Meghan Markle. He regularly wears ensembles by Giorgio Armani, Luca Faloni, and Dior, the designer responsible for his coronation outfit.

Even when Harry’s wearing a casual button-down shirt and jeans, one of the pieces is typically a designer name. This shift adds a cool element to his wardrobe, without Harry appearing dressed down.

For example, when the occasion calls for it, Harry will forgo a tie when wearing a suit. While he’s still dressed stylishly, removing a tie adds a relaxed element to his outfit.

When out and about with Meghan, Harry coordinates elements of his look to match hers. Whether it’s a less formal look or a glamorous get-up, it makes for a visually pleasing effect.

Now 40, Harry has hit his style stride. From casual looks to the well-tailored suits he’s since become known for, Harry’s clothes continue to blend his casual personal style with royal elegance.