Meghan Markle's Bondi Outfit Advert Removed Following Public Outcry
The Duchess of Sussex has quietly deleted a controversial advertisement selling the exact outfit she wore while meeting survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack. Meghan Markle faced significant criticism after her $2,000 ensemble was immediately posted on the fashion platform OneOff, where she earns a percentage from sales and holds an investment stake.
Immediate Commercialisation of Tragic Visit
The Daily Mail revealed how shortly after Meghan embraced witnesses to the December massacre that claimed 15 lives, the clothes she wore to the Sydney beach were posted on the fashion website. Prince Harry also appeared on the original OneOff page advertising his wife's outfit, though he was largely obscured by links to her $440 blue and white striped Matteau shirt, $139 white 'sailor jeans,' and $298 Freda Salvador trainers.
Meghan's complete Bondi engagement look included $198 Brochu Walker sunglasses and a $950 brown suede bag, bringing the total outfit cost to approximately $2,000. The original contentious page inviting fans to purchase this expensive ensemble has now been replaced with a different photograph showing Meghan alone, waving as she left her luxury Range Rover earlier that day.
Royal Expert Condemns Commercial Strategy
Royal commentator Richard Palmer described the incident as "perhaps the starkest example yet of Harry and Meghan's efforts to commercialise their royal brand." He suggested this development might prompt discussions about potentially stripping the couple of their royal titles, particularly following precedent set with Prince Andrew.
"The palace can say it's nothing to do with the institution because Harry and Meghan aren't publicly-funded members of it," Palmer noted. "But they are the King's son and daughter-in-law, and any suggestion of cashing in on royal status reflects badly on the monarchy."
How the OneOff Platform Operates
OneOff is an AI-powered fashion platform that allows users to shop celebrity-inspired looks. Verified stars like Meghan can earn affiliate revenue each time a fan purchases an item through their curated pages. The current revenue model involves retailers paying 10 to 25 percent commission to OneOff, which is then shared with the creator.
While the exact amount Meghan expects to earn remains unclear, the company stated about their partnership: "She cares about fashion and was motivated to invest not only to expand her portfolio, but to help uplift the fashion designers she is a fan of."
Public Opinion and Additional Controversies
An exclusive poll for The Mail on Sunday revealed an overwhelming four-to-one majority of Britons oppose the Sussexes using their titles for commercial gain. This sentiment emerged alongside other controversies during the couple's Australian visit.
At Bondi Beach, footage captured a sunbather refusing to move when her session was interrupted by Harry and Meghan's arrival. Meanwhile, guests who paid thousands to attend Meghan's Her Best Life retreat in Sydney received budget gift bags containing affordable wellness products and supermarket-adjacent items, including a $21 can of Meghan's As Ever edible flowers and $4.50 Funday sweets available at most chemists.
Emotional Visit to Attack Survivors
During their Bondi visit, the Duke and Duchess appeared deeply moved while listening to stories from those who witnessed the horrific antisemitic massacre. They embraced Jessica Chapnik Kahn, who survived while shielding her five-year-old daughter after attending a Hanukkah party, and spoke with first responders including lifeguards.
Ms. Chapnik Kahn described meeting the couple as an "honour," stating: "The greater problem in the world right now is hate. Hate is a human problem that we're facing, a very big problem. So to highlight that, to be able to connect with them on this heart level, I think is very special."
Despite the deletion of the specific Bondi outfit advertisement, all Meghan's outfits from the Australian tour continue to be uploaded almost immediately to OneOff, described as the "Spotify of fashion." She will receive a percentage of any sales generated through the platform, maintaining the commercial strategy that has drawn such significant criticism following her visit to terror attack survivors.
