Representatives for Meghan Markle have issued a strong rebuttal against what they describe as 'false and highly defamatory' accusations regarding the Duchess's handling of expensive clothing from magazine photoshoots. The controversy centres around claims that Meghan improperly kept high-value items worth an estimated £194,000 across multiple editorial features.
Transparency in Fashion Arrangements
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, has firmly denied any wrongdoing following spurious allegations that she quietly took a green $1,700 (£1,300) Galvan dress worn for a Variety magazine spread in 2022. In an official statement to the Daily Mail, her representatives clarified that 'any items kept were done so in total transparency and in accordance with contractual arrangements'.
Beyond the emerald, one-shoulder 'Ushuaia' dress from British label Galvan, the statement also addressed a $7,900 (£6,000) Chanel dress from a 2022 shoot with The Cut. Observant fans noted that the mother-of-two later wore the monochrome, strapless design during a night out in New York City with Prince Harry last month.
The Royal Archive Tradition
A source close to the Duchess explained that Meghan was particularly keen to retain pieces she had posed in to prevent others from profiting through resale. The insider added that it's customary for members of the Royal Family to create an 'archive' of significant outfits for historical preservation.
While the exact number and specific items Meghan has been gifted remain unclear, fashion analysts have calculated the staggering total value of clothing and jewellery she has modelled across four major magazine spreads since Megxit in 2021. The combined worth reaches an impressive $257,507 (£194,000) across features with The Cut, Variety, TIME, and Harper's Bazaar.
Breaking Down the Fashion Portfolio
Meghan's most recent feature for Harper's Bazaar proved to be her most expensive yet, with fashion experts estimating the combined value of clothing and jewellery at $210,732 (£159,000) for that single shoot alone. The Duchess appeared barefaced on the cover wearing a Dior jacket from newly appointed creative director Jonathan Anderson's debut collection, estimated to cost $4,631 (£3,500).
Other standout pieces from the Harper's Bazaar shoot included a $10,000 (£7,650) Chanel dress from the latest Spring/Summer'26 collection, a $3,800 (£2,900) Ferragamo satin gown, and a striking red Balenciaga caped dress valued at approximately $4,000 (£3,050). The jewellery selections were particularly lavish, featuring a twin ring from Parisian designer Suzanne Belperron worth an astonishing $91,000 (£69,000).
For The Cut's August 2022 cover shoot, Meghan modelled pieces worth over $29,018 (£20,000), including Chanel's tweed Fantasy dress that she later repurposed for a date night with Prince Harry. The Variety shoot in October 2022 featured a more modest wardrobe valued at just over $13,000 (£9,800), while her TIME magazine appearance in September 2021 with Prince Harry showcased understated elegance with an ensemble costing approximately $2,000 (£1,500).
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan has carefully curated her media appearances, making each magazine feature a significant cultural moment for her supporters. If the Duchess has indeed retained pieces from these shoots, it appears they hold substantial personal and historical significance, following established royal protocols for preserving important sartorial moments.
