A shadow of controversy has fallen upon Meghan Markle, with accusations surfacing that she retained a designer gown – valued at nearly $1,700 – after a 2022 magazine photoshoot. The emerald-green, one-shoulder dress reappeared recently in promotional material for her latest Netflix project, sparking immediate questions.
Sources claim Markle simply “took the dress from the shoot without asking,” raising concerns about a pattern of behavior. This isn’t an isolated incident; reports from 2024 suggest she’s repeatedly kept expensive items borrowed for high-profile photoshoots, failing to return “a lot of stuff.”
The alleged practice seems particularly striking given Markle’s considerable wealth. As one writer pointed out, someone residing in a multi-million dollar mansion with substantial financial deals secured might not feel the need to acquire complimentary clothing and jewelry.
Images have emerged online, appearing to show other garments – including a Chanel dress – also taken from photoshoots and later worn by Markle. The practice directly contradicts the standard arrangement within the fashion industry.
Typically, magazines and PR firms loan clothing, shoes, and accessories to celebrities for shoots, expecting their return. While talent often inquire about purchasing items they particularly like, a formal process exists, often involving discounted rates.
Markle’s representatives deny any wrongdoing, framing the retention of items as part of an “archiving” process for her royal wardrobe. They insist everything was done with “full knowledge and agreement” and in accordance with contractual arrangements, dismissing accusations as “highly defamatory.”
However, the controversy arrives amidst a larger narrative surrounding Markle’s public image. Since her marriage to Prince Harry, she has faced criticism for allegedly exploiting her royal connection for financial gain while simultaneously criticizing the British royal family.
Before her relationship with Prince Harry, Markle was largely unknown. Her ascent into royalty has been accompanied by reports of strained family relationships, most notably with her father, Thomas Markle.
In a 2020 documentary, Thomas Markle expressed profound disappointment, stating his daughter always desired wealth and fame. He believes she achieved her ambition of becoming a princess only to then “toss that away for… money,” and in doing so, damaged the royal family.
He painted a bleak picture of both his daughter and Prince Harry, describing them as “lost souls” who were transforming the monarchy into something diminished, a “Walmart with a crown on.” His words underscore a tragic theme: the potential for a misguided relationship to irrevocably alter lives.
The situation stands in stark contrast to the experience of Prince William and Kate Middleton, whose marriage is often presented as a model of stability and grace within the royal family. Their enduring elegance offers a poignant counterpoint to the ongoing drama surrounding Markle and Prince Harry.
