A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex is pushing back on a report that she took a designer dress from a 2022 photo shoot
Meghan Markle in 2024; Meghan Markle for ‘With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration’.Credit : Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Netflix
Meghan Markle’s spokesperson is speaking out against reports that she took a dress from a 2022 photo shoot without permission.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, appears in promotional material for the holiday episode of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan wearing a one-shoulder green gown as she lights candles on a festive table. She previously wore the same $1,695 Galvan “Ushuaia” dress for a 2022 Variety photo shoot, prompting reports that she had kept the gown without approval.
A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex tells PEOPLE, “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.”
Meghan Markle for ‘With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration’.Netflix
According to a source familiar with industry practices, it’s standard for talent to retain select items from photo shoots — sometimes for security reasons, including to prevent potential resale or unauthorized auction. Clothing worn by members of the royal family and other public figures has been targeted for resale in the past, making the practice both common and precautionary.
During her time as a working royal, Meghan — like all members of the British royal family — was not permitted to accept clothing for free. In the months leading up to her 2018 wedding, she paid for her wardrobe herself, and afterward received a clothing budget for official engagements that was covered by then–Prince Charles — the standard arrangement for working royals at the time.
During her appearance on an April episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Meghan discussed the impact her clothing choices can have, sharing that she made an effort to wear smaller brands with messages that were close to her heart. She said it felt “really great when, specifically, it can help uplift brands that have a great ethos and female founders.”
She added, “You know, there was a long time where…I wasn’t out talking. So if you couldn’t hear me, how could I be heard through what I was wearing if that was what people were focusing on?”
Meghan Markle in ‘With Love Meghan: Holiday Celebration’.Jake Rosenberg/Netflix
On Nov. 19, Netflix debuted the first trailer for With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, the special airing on Dec. 3.
“I love the holiday season,” Meghan says in the trailer. “It’s about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions and making new ones.”
The new footage showed the Duchess of Sussex decorating, crafting, cooking and even sharing a quick kiss with Prince Harry.
Also joining Meghan for the holiday special are tennis champion Naomi Osaka, Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, hospitality expert Will Guidara, philanthropist and close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen and her longtime friend and author-producer Lindsay Roth.
