Meghan Markle’s decision to appear without makeup on the cover of a major magazine has triggered an intense online backlash.

The 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex was unveiled as the cover star of Harper’s Bazaar US’ December 2025/January 2026 Art Issue on Thursday, November 20.

Viewers quickly began mocking her natural look, with some accusing her of a “lack of charisma” and others suggesting that “someone in the magazine definitely hates her.”

“That kind of photoshoot close-up on her face makes her even creepier than normal. She really thinks that she is THE IT GIRL, but she is just not…” one commenter wrote.

A Minimalist Look on Harper’s Bazaar’s Latest Cover

On the cover, Meghan appears makeup-free, dressed in a tailored black silk blazer featuring a cinched waist, flared hem, and a bow tied at the front. She sits on a stool against a gray-toned backdrop, staring directly into the camera with slightly parted lips.

The cover reads: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Meets Her Moment.

Inside the issue is an unfiltered interview with journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge, where Meghan opens up about her life—her relationship with Prince Harry, the rise of her lifestyle brand As Ever, her experiences within the royal household, and her decision to step back from royal duties.

Meghan Discusses Growth, Boundaries, and Life After Controversy

Reflecting on her evolution and the challenges she has faced since becoming engaged to Prince Harry in 2017, Meghan highlighted how crucial her personal “boundaries” have become.

“I think my boundaries became stronger once I came into the public eye… You find different ways to protect yourself, whether that’s self-preservation or it’s just growing up.”

Asked what past mistakes have taught her, she responded, “You learn not to do it again.”

“If it all goes swimmingly, you don’t learn from it. If you don’t learn anything, you’re not going to grow.”

Notably, Greenidge wrote that Meghan was introduced to her at a friend’s Upper East Side home as the “Duchess of Sussex” rather than just by her name.

Online Critics Tear Into Meghan’s Makeup-Free Look

Despite the depth of the interview, the internet zeroed in on the photoshoot itself. One critic wrote, “She looks HORRIBLE here. Her delusions of being a fashion icon and model and whatever else are just… DELUSIONAL. She looks even more basic.”

Another posted, “How is she not embarrassed by herself? I have so much second-hand embarrassment… She looks so bad in these photos. I absolutely don’t know how or why she approved these.”

A third person, mocking her pose, joked, “Looks like she is about to sneeze.”

Debate Over a Notable Detail in the Interview

Others honed in on a line in the article that many felt was an “eye roll.” Greenidge recalled her arrival at the Upper East Side home: “When I enter, the house manager announces, ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,’ even though we appear to be the only other two people in the house.”

A longtime Meghan supporter reacted, “I’m a huge Meghan defender, but this is a bizarre thing to do in the intimacy of your own home… I’m sure the journo is fully aware and doesn’t need reminding of her title. I’m glad they not so subtly called it out.”

“Someone at Harper’s Bazaar does not like Meghan Markle..” another commenter suggested.