Did Meghan Markle ‘Steal’ a ₹1.5 Lakh Dress? Controversy Erupts Over Old Photoshoot After Netflix Promo Release

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has found herself in the midst of a fresh controversy following the release of the trailer for her Netflix special, “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.” Social media erupted with claims that Markle allegedly kept a $1,695 (approximately ₹1.5 lakh) designer gown from a 2022 magazine photoshoot, sparking debates over propriety and protocol.

The Dress in Question
The emerald green Galvan gown, seen in the Netflix promo, is reportedly the same piece Markle wore for a high-profile cover shoot for Variety Magazine three years ago. Sources claim that despite her considerable wealth, Markle retained the designer dress and other accessories without returning them after the shoot. Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis highlighted these claims on a podcast, noting the seemingly surprising decision of someone with substantial resources to hold onto items from a professional photoshoot.

Royal Archive or Controversy?
While some reports suggest that Markle’s keeping of the gown could be a misunderstanding or part of a “royal archive” protocol, the majority of reports claim that the dress was retained without permission. Following the Netflix trailer release, social media users quickly identified the gown as the same piece from the 2022 magazine shoot, reigniting discussions about fashion etiquette and designer loans.

Podcast Revelations
On the Heretics Podcast hosted by Andrew Gold, Grigoriadis remarked on the situation: “It’s surprising that someone living in a $15 million Montecito mansion with a net worth exceeding $100 million would care enough to take clothing and jewelry from a magazine shoot when she could easily purchase them.”

Amid Personal and Professional Scrutiny
This wardrobe controversy comes at a time when Meghan Markle is already under public scrutiny regarding her personal life with Prince Harry and various business ventures. Notably, the Duchess has previously been seen wearing similar high-end designer pieces at private events, including a black-and-white tweed strapless midi dress during a date night—also previously worn for the 2022 photoshoot.

As Markle continues to navigate the spotlight, this latest debate adds yet another chapter to her highly publicized life, blending celebrity fashion, royal protocol, and media intrigue.