The Meghan effect! Demand for purple folder surges after Meghan Markle used it to hide her bump when she arrived in Australia

Meghan Markle arrived Australia two days ago armed with two folders. At the time, it was considered unusual but after her pregnancy was announced, the reason for carrying the folder became clear.

The bright purple folder was a subtle trick the Duchess of Sussex used to hide her baby bump.

There has now been a sudden surge in the demand for the purple folder overnight. Office supplies store Officeworks has reported a 75 per cent increase in sales overnight and has sold out of the suddenly popular item.

A spokeswoman for Officeworks said:

Her unlikely accessory has sent stationery lovers into a frenzy, with the purple folder having almost sold out across Officeworks stores nationwide.

Data from Officeworks shows that as of yesterday, sales of the general folder category have increased by 32 per cent and sales of the infamous Aqua Drops range have increased by 75 per cent.

The folders were described as "the latest must-have accessory to conceal a baby (or food!) bump".