Meghan Markle at the Center of New Controversy Over Missing £1,300 Dress — Explained

What began as a festive glimpse into the Duchess of Sussex's holiday special has turned into an online storm over a luxury dress.

Meghan Markle has found herself at the centre of a fresh controversy after eagle-eyed viewers spotted a familiar dress in the newly released trailer for her upcoming Netflix special, "With Love, Meghan."

The green one-shoulder Galvan gown, which briefly appears as the Duchess of Sussex lights candles on a holiday table, appears to be the same £1,300 "Ushuaia" dress she wore in a 2022 Variety photo shoot.

What may have started as a festive plug for the lifestyle show has instead sparked renewed debate online, with some accusing the Duchess of having taken the designer piece without authorisation following the photo shoot titled "The Meghan Moment."

Industry insiders, however, have pushed back on the criticism, pointing to standard fashion shoot practices.

A spokesperson for Markle categorically denied the accusations, stating, "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."

"Any items kept were done so in total transparency and in accordance with contractual arrangements," they continued. Despite this, speculation continues. According to The Royalist newsletter by journalist Tom Sykes, one stylist with experience working with the royal family said:

"It's pretty clear she just wanted the dress and kept it. I'm sure the designer agreed. How could they not? What's interesting is that she doesn't say she paid for it. From that, I think we can assume she didn't. That's the defence [Princess] Catherine always has — everything is paid for."

The conversation has further been fuelled by past commentary. In a 2024 episode of the "Heretics" podcast, Vanity Fair journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis claimed that Markle had previously taken "a lot of stuff" after stepping down as a working royal, saying she "worn it in a very high-profile photo shoot."

Grigoriadis went on to suggest that the most surprising aspect was that someone living in a "$15 million-plus mansion" with "$100 million deals" would "care enough to take home some jewellery and clothes she can clearly afford."

Industry insiders, however, have pushed back on the criticism, pointing to standard fashion shoot practices. It is not uncommon for public figures to retain wardrobe items from editorial projects, often for security reasons, including the risk of resale or unauthorised auctions.

Some netizens went further, alleging an attempted cover-up.

In the past, royal protocol prohibited working royals from accepting clothes for free, though garments could be loaned and later returned. Before her wedding in 2018, Markle reportedly paid for her own clothes, with her wardrobe later funded by then–Prince Charles for official duties.

Still, the online reaction has been swift — and divided. Some defended the Duchess. One person commented, "Meghan does not permission, If she wants it she gets it [sic]," appearing to suggest Markle's influence renders permission a non-issue.

Others, however, were far more critical. "Taking property...an etiquette issue. No. It's stealing," typed one commenter, clearly rejecting the notion that the situation could be reduced to a misunderstanding in protocol.

Another questioned why such an issue should arise at all given the Duchess's wealth. "With all her money why doesn't she just buy it?" they remarked.

Suspicion over the lack of clarity surrounding the dress's status was also echoed in a separate comment that read, "If this much explaining is needed...she definitely took it without asking."

Some netizens went further, alleging an attempted cover-up. One netizen remarked, "Old Megs team is trying to make this story disappear..." followed by a laughing emoji.

As Meghan Markle prepares for the holiday release of her Netflix special, it remains to be seen whether the conversation will shift back to Christmas cheer — or continue to centre around a green designer dress that has now taken on a life of its own.