Meghan Markle Channels Audrey Hepburn in New Post — and Royal Fans Are Not Impressed

Meghan Markle attends the Balenciaga Women's Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show; (Inset) Audrey Hepburn in the film 'Wait Until Dark.' Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Arnold Jerocki for Balenciaga; (Inset) Warner Brothers

Jan. 30 2026, Published 06:19 AM. ET

Meghan Markle cannot seem to escape criticism; this time, it is accusations of copying the iconic Audrey Hepburn. On January 29, Markle posted a photo of herself reading a folded piece of paper bearing the name of her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The black and white picture, featuring the Duchess in a hat and sunglasses, drew particular attention given her fashion choices. Royal fans quickly compared her look to that of Hepburn's in Breakfast at Tiffany's, accusing her of imitating the legendary actress.

Her hat looks like a flying saucer. pic.twitter.com/Yw9xogTp0x
— That 1 (@ihtiandrs12) January 29, 2026

The said picture was closely reminiscent of Hepburn's signature look in the movie, where she wore a wide-brimmed black hat that framed her face, and oversized black cat-eye sunglasses to shield her eyes. The only thing that was missing was Hepburn's stylish gloves, which epitomized classic Hollywood glamor.

The photo, which was posted on As Ever's website, was captioned, "Created by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, As Ever welcomes you to a collection of products, each inspired by her long-lasting love of cooking, entertaining, and hostessing with ease. This curated collection has been crafted to elevate your everyday and inspire moments of joy."

Audrey Hepburn lowers her sunglasses in a still from the film, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' (Image Source: Getty Images| Paramount Pictures/Fotos International)

After royal fans noticed the uncanny resemblance, they took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure. A royal watcher commented, "She's trying to do Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The hat has too small a brim. Audrey's was the same sort of shape but bigger." In a similar vein, another slammed, "Why can't she develop her own style/look. Audrey Hepburn, she ain't." A netizen also voiced, "Think she's trying to give off Audrey Hepburn vibes but, as ever, doing it wrong on every level imaginable."

Royal watchers also accused Markle of copying the fashion choices of other actresses and also those of the late Princess Margaret, who had a penchant for wearing hats and sunglasses. A netizen remarked, "She's trying to pull off and know like a Katherine Hepburn Grace Kelly look, she can't even do that." Likewise, another sneered, "Leave Princess Margaret alone, Meghan." In the past, the Duchess of Sussex has also been accused of imitating the late Princess Diana, from her jewelry to emulating her outfits.

(L) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala; (R) Diana, Princess of Wales, attends a Dinner Hosted By the Association For The Struggle Against Infant Paralysis (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Matt Winkelmeyer (L); Tim Graham Picture Library (R)) — (L) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala; (R) Diana, Princess of Wales, attends a Dinner Hosted By the Association For The Struggle Against Infant Paralysis. Image Source: Getty Images | Matt Winkelmeyer (L); Tim Graham Picture Library (R)

Reflecting on Markle's pattern of imitating others' fashion choices, fashion expert Rebecca, who runs the influential @Remisagoodboy account on X, previously told the Daily Express, "Meghan seems to take it to a much different level. From her mirrored body language, to certain color combinations or choice in accessories." She added, "Let's not forget the old adage 'Bad Press is still Press' and moves like these keep her [Markle] in the press and a hot topic on social media." She noted that Diana would always be the most symbolically powerful and intended reference point for the Duchess.