Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is once again at the center of a swirling controversy, this time involving a $1,695 dress. As the promotional campaign for her upcoming Netflix holiday special, "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration," gains momentum, allegations have resurfaced that Markle may have improperly acquired the emerald green gown. The special is set to premiere on December 3rd and promises to offer viewers an intimate look into how Markle celebrates the holidays with friends and family in Montecito, California.
The dress in question, a one-shouldered Galvan "Ushuaia" gown, first appeared on Markle during a Variety photoshoot in 2022. Now, as she is seen wearing the same dress in promotional images for her Netflix special, old claims of misconduct have been reignited.
The allegations stem from a March 2024 podcast appearance by journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on Andrew Gold's "Heretics" podcast. Grigoriadis claimed she had heard that Markle did not return several items after wearing them for a high-profile photoshoot, referencing the Variety shoot. She expressed surprise that someone of Markle's wealth would allegedly hold onto borrowed items.
"What's shocking about hearing these kinds of alleged stories is that somebody who is living in a 15 million plus mansion in Montecito who's just had had $100million deals would care enough to take home some jewelry and clothes from a photoshoot that she can clearly afford," Grigoriadis said.
Fashion observers quickly recognized the dress in the new promotional images as the same one from the 2022 Variety cover, adding fuel to the fire. RadarOnline has reported that staffers from the shoot believed Markle "walked off with several items that day without permission,". Royal biographer Tom Bower also mentioned Meghan's history of taking clothes from shoots in his 2022 book, Revenge. Adding to the controversy, some critics online find the nail-shaped Cartier necklace, valued at $18,700, that Markle wears in a promotional video for her lifestyle brand "As Ever" to be inappropriate for a holiday message.
Despite the resurfaced allegations, neither Markle nor her representatives have commented on the situation. The claims remain unproven, and it is important to note that they are based on hearsay. However, the timing of the controversy is less than ideal, as it threatens to overshadow the launch of Markle's new Netflix special, which is intended to spread holiday cheer.
"With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration" is a one-hour special that follows the Duchess as she prepares for the holiday season, sharing tips on holiday feasts, handmade gifts, decorating, and entertaining. The special is a spin-off of Markle's lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan," which premiered in March 2025 and returned for a second season in August.
The controversy surrounding the dress is just the latest in a string of events that have shaped Markle's public image. From fashion choices that have been deemed too "controversial" to debates over her use of the Duchess of Sussex title, Markle has consistently faced scrutiny from the media and the public. Despite this, she continues to pursue her various ventures, including her Netflix deal and her lifestyle brand, "As Ever".
Whether the allegations of "stealing" the dress are true remains to be seen. However, the controversy highlights the challenges Markle faces as she navigates her public role and strives to maintain her image in the face of constant attention and criticism.
