Meghan Markle wears $38 Velvet Torch dress during Facetime with Prince Harry

The Duchess of Sussex shocked fans by appearing on James Corden’s show – but now attention is on her surprisingly cheap dress outfit.

Meghan Markle has sparked a frenzy for a $38 blue dress after the pregnant Duchess wore it during a surprise appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

The Duchess of Sussex appeared via FaceTime on the talk show last week during Corden’s interview with her husband, Prince Harry.

While Meghan’s appearance was fleeting, the dress (and its price tag) made a big impact on fans of the Suits star.

The former actress, who has been criticised in the past for wearing expensive designer clothes for royal engagements, wore a $US30 ($A38) dress from Los Angeles based brand Velvet Torch.

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Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance during her husband Harry’s interview with James Corden. Picture: YouTube

The blue midi dress features a flattering shirred bodice and short puffed sleeves which can be worn either off or on the shoulders – the perfect beachy outfit for Meghan’s new life in California.

The family-owned company from Meghan’s home town was over the moon when they spotted her wearing the dress, taking to Instagram to share footage of her wearing it and writing: “So this happened today!”

The dress is still available for sale via Velvet Torch’s website, however, is currently on backorder and will ship later this month.

The dress is by Los Angeles-based brand Velvet Torch. Picture: Velvet Torch

Meghan fans have given the dress the tick of approval, with many saying they were desperate to get their hands on it given it was so affordable.

“Love it and it’s all gone! I thought the dress costs at least $300,” one person wrote.

“I need this dress,” another added.

‘MEANING’ BEHIND MEGHAN’S DRESS IN OPRAH INTERVIEW

Meanwhile Meghan’s choice of dress for her much-anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey has also grabbed attention, particularly for its lotus flower detail.

The Duchess wears a $5880 black Giorgio Armani dress for the interview, in which she and Harry are expected to reveal in detail why they decided to leave royal life.

The dress Meghan wears in her upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey has a white lotus flower design. Picture: CBS

According to British newspaper The Telegraph Meghan’s dress conveys a message too and was chosen for its “symbolic meaning of revival”.

“The lotus flower’s daily resurrection is considered proof of its determination and will to live,” the article explains.

“The Duchess understands that a lotus seed can withstand thousands of years without water, able to germinate over two centuries later.

“This ‘refusal to accept defeat’ is very much how she sees her own battle against the pressures of royal life.”

Originally published as Meghan Markle wears $38 Velvet Torch dress during Facetime with Prince Harry