Duchess Faces Backlash Over Reappearance of Designer Gowns
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has firmly denied any misconduct after viewers identified a £1,300 designer dress from a 2022 magazine photoshoot in the trailer for her new Netflix holiday special. The green Galvan 'Ushuaia' one-shoulder gown was first seen when Meghan was photographed for Variety magazine in October 2022 for a feature titled 'The Meghan Moment'.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed the identical dress three years later in the preview for the Christmas edition of her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. This discovery followed a separate incident where the Duchess was seen in New York City last month wearing a black-and-white Chanel midi dress that she had previously modelled for a 2022 photoshoot with The Cut magazine.
Team Issues Strong Denial Amid 'Defamatory' Claims
These sightings prompted unsubstantiated online accusations suggesting the Duchess had taken clothing from cover shoots without authorisation. In a robust rebuttal, a spokesman for Meghan told the Daily Mail: 'The insinuation that any items were taken without the full knowledge and agreement of the on-set stylists or their respective teams is not only categorically false, but also highly defamatory.'
The spokesman clarified the process, stating, 'Any items kept, were done so in total transparency and in accordance with contractual arrangements.' Supporting this, another source explained that it is standard practice for celebrities to retain certain items from photoshoots, sometimes to prevent their unauthorized resale or auction.
Royal Protocols and Fashion Industry Norms
The controversy has sparked a discussion about royal fashion protocols. When Meghan was a working royal, she was not permitted to accept clothing for free, a rule that applies to all senior members of the Royal Family. They are, however, allowed to borrow outfits on loan which must be returned afterwards.
A stylist with experience working with the Royal Family noted that while Meghan likely kept the dress with the designer's blessing, the absence of confirmation that she paid for it is notable. This contrasts with the practice of the Princess of Wales, Catherine, who always confirms payment for her attire.
Fashion historian Jane Tippett provided context, highlighting that the late Queen Elizabeth II maintained one of the most significant fashion archives of the 20th century. She noted that both Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales frequently re-wear pieces, indicating a careful system of clothing preservation is in place for future generations.
The trailer for the Christmas special of With Love, Meghan was released on November 19, with the full episode arriving on Netflix on December 3. The clip features a cameo from Prince Harry, showing the couple sharing a kiss in a kitchen.
