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Meghan Markle’s ‘As Ever’ Photoshoot Sparks Debate Over Princess Diana-Inspired Look

Fans seem divided over whether or not Meghan Markle was trying to cosplay Diana with her latest look.

(L) Meghan Markle in her kitchen; (R) Diana, Princess of Wales, attends a memorial service for Terence Donovan in London. (Cover Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; (R) Getty Images | Antony Jones/UK Press)
(L) Meghan Markle in her kitchen; (R) Diana, Princess of Wales, attends a memorial service for Terence Donovan in London. (Cover Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; (R) Getty Images | Antony Jones/UK Press)

Ever since returning to the United Kingdom with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Meghan Markle has been working to adjust to her new surroundings. The Duchess of Sussex has kept a low profile by largely staying out of the spotlight while focusing on building a foundation and expanding her brand. To that end, she has been hard at work rolling out new products for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which recently debuted its new Holiday collection.

(L) Meghan Markle leaping into the swimming pool in her 45th birthday post; (R) Princess Diana jumping off a jet ski in St. Tropez. Cover Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; (R) Getty Images | Ken Goff
(L) Meghan Markle at the Royal Albert Hall on Oct 22, 2019, in London; (R) Princess Diana at the Field Museum of Natural History. (Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Max Mumby; (R) Tim Graham Photo Library)

The collection includes a range of giftable items alongside the brand’s special Holiday Advent Calendar, which features an illustration inspired by the Sussexes’ Montecito estate. To introduce the launch, they posted a photo on Instagram showing Markle at her kitchen table in an all-black ensemble. She captioned the post: “The Holiday Collection: Chapter One is now open. Discover our first arrivals of the season, with thoughtful gifts and new favourites for everyone on your list.” Styled in a black long-sleeved turtleneck, matching trousers, ballerina flats, and gold jewelry, her look sparked quick debate among royal watchers on X, with many claiming she was cosplaying her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. 

(L) Meghan Markle standing in her kitchen. (M) Princess Diana Attends A Memorial Service For Terence Donovan. (R) Meghan Markle attends the inauguration of the Lost Screen Memorial. (Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; Getty Images | (M) Antony Jones/UK Press; (R) Harold Cunningham
(L) Meghan Markle standing in her kitchen; (M) Princess Diana attending a memorial service for Terence Donovan; (R) Meghan Markle attends the inauguration of the Lost Screen Memorial. (Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; Getty Images | (M) Antony Jones/UK Press; (R) Harold Cunningham)

One user commented, “OMG. I recognized the all black clothes and pose but couldn’t recall exactly where. Wow. Even the 3/4 sleeves. She never stops.” Another user said, “😳😬🙄 She really is quite unhinged when it comes to dressing like Diana. It’s beyond creepy.” Yet another person pointed out that the ad in itself was weird, commenting, “What is this an ad for? Jeans? Black clothing? A pot? Because there’s not a damn thing hostess-y, pantry-ish, holiday-like, or fruit spread-y about this. It’s #MeghanMarkle thinking she’s a model with her pensive gaze into nothing-there’s no #asever branding, products, or placement.”

(L) Meghan Markle leaping into the swimming pool in her 45th birthday post; (R) Princess Diana jumping off a jet ski in St. Tropez. Cover Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; (R) Getty Images | Ken Goff
(L) Meghan Markle leaping into the swimming pool in her 45th birthday post; (R) Princess Diana jumping off a jet ski in St. Tropez. (Image Source: (L) Instagram | @meghan; (R) Getty Images | Ken Goff)

However, not everyone agreed with the claim, and many of Markle’s supporters pushed back against the theory. One fan praised her, writing, “A truly extraordinary woman—brilliant, educated, sophisticated, and blessed with a beautiful mind and an even more beautiful heart. Your grace, wisdom, strength, and genuine love for others set you apart. You don’t simply inspire people; you leave an unforgettable mark.” Another user used sarcasm to mock the comparison, adding, “Women, please know that you are not allowed to wear black jeans and black sweaters!” For now, the debate over Markle’s latest look shows no signs of slowing down.

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