Meghan Markle’s Spokesperson Refutes Accusation of Stealing a $1,700 Dress

No, Meghan Markle did not take a $1,700 dress from a photo shoot without proper consent.

A representative for the Duchess of Sussex, 44, addressed the speculation surrounding Meghan’s alleged appropriation of a green Galvan gown from a 2022 photo shoot with Variety, after she was seen wearing the same dress in a trailer for With Love, Meghan.

“The suggestion that any items were taken without the full awareness and agreement of the on-set stylists or their respective teams is not only completely false, but also extremely defamatory,” the spokesperson stated in a release to Us Weekly on Tuesday, November 25.

The statement further explained, “Any items retained were done with complete transparency and in line with contractual agreements.”

Following Meghan’s appearance in the emerald green dress in a trailer for a holiday episode of With Love, Meghan on Monday, Page Six reported that the actress kept the dress for her “royal archive.”

A source disclosed to the publication that she “took the dress from the shoot without asking,” indicating that it “disappeared” from Variety’s set. Page Six also cited another insider who alleged that Meghan took the dress home.

Fans quickly voiced their opinions on social media, with one Twitter user remarking, “Meghan Markle is a thief.” Another chimed in, “Kept = Stole. She STOLE it.”

Conversely, some defended Meghan, asserting that the claims were fabricated.

“Keep perpetuating this lie,” one user commented. Another agreed, labeling the accusations a “defamatory statement.”

The dress in question had a one-shoulder neckline that elegantly wrapped around her neck and flowed down her bodice, complemented by a sleek column skirt.

In the trailer, Meghan styled the gown with smokey eyeshadow, voluminous lashes, and rosy cheeks. Her dark hair was parted to the side and styled in soft waves.

While Meghan was a working royal, she was prohibited from accepting clothing as gifts to prevent favoritism, though she could borrow items for events.

During her time as a working royal, Meghan spoke about conveying messages through her attire in an April episode of the “Jamie Kern Lima Show” podcast.

Throughout the discussion, she was asked about her impact on fashion and the so-called “Meghan effect.”

She expressed her enthusiasm for it, stating that it felt “fantastic when it can help elevate brands that have a wonderful ethos and are run by female founders.”

Meghan added, “There was a time when I wasn’t out speaking. So if you couldn’t hear my voice, how could I be heard through what I was wearing if that was the focus?”

She emphasized that she didn’t need to “utter a word,” but rather allowed her outfits to convey her message and assist in broadening the reach of “small businesses.”

One notable brand she endorsed was Australian label Outland Denim, which employs survivors of human trafficking; she wore their jeans during a 2018 tour in Australia with Prince Harry. “By wearing those jeans, I knew I was contributing to their mission to save more women,” she elaborated.

Us Weekly reached out to Variety for a comment but has yet to receive a response.