Meghan Markle is pushing back against accusations that she kept a designer gown from a photoshoot without permission, after wearing the exact same look again in her upcoming Netflix holiday special.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, appears in the trailer for With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration dressed in a one-shoulder emerald green Galvan “Ushuaia” gown—priced at $1,695. The dress first appeared during her 2022 Variety cover shoot, which triggered online chatter and speculation that she had walked away from set with the dress without approval.
Claims of “Without Asking”
At the peak of the rumors, a source alleged that Meghan “took the dress from the shoot without asking,” fueling fresh criticism. But a spokesperson quickly shut the claim down.
“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 source told PEOPLE, adding, “Any items kept were done so in total transparency and in accordance with contractual arrangements.”
Industry Norm or Public Outrage?
Multiple insiders backed up this stance, explaining that arrangements like this are more common than the public may realize—especially when it involves royals, celebrities, and high-profile figures whose wardrobe pieces can later be targeted for resale or auction.
A fashion industry source told Page Six, “They would normally be offered a discount if it’s something the designer can’t part with or a sample that needs to be returned.” The same source also noted, “It’s not unusual for celebrities to ask to keep something they love.”
Royal Fashion Rules vs. Celebrity Standards
During her working royal years, Meghan, like other members of the family, was not permitted to accept gifted clothing. In the months leading to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, she paid for her own wardrobe. Later on, she was reportedly granted a clothing budget for official appearances by then-Prince Charles.
Despite stepping away from senior duties, speculation around photoshoot fashion has continued to trail her—particularly when she re-wears a memorable piece. Just last month, Meghan was photographed in a black-and-white Chanel midi dress previously worn for The Cut in 2022, once again reigniting conversations about whether she had retained that outfit too.
Fashion as a Voice When She Couldn’t Speak
Meghan has previously addressed, indirectly, how clothing became more than fabric and labels—it became her language when she felt unheard.
On The Jamie Kern Lima Show, she explained, “There was a long time where… I wasn’t out talking. So if you couldn’t hear me, how could I be heard through what I was wearing?” She also shared her pride in supporting female-led brands: “[It feels] really great when it can help uplift brands that have a great ethos and female founders,” adding, “[It feels] really great when it can help uplift brands that have a great ethos and female founders.”
