Meghan Markle has ignited a firestorm on social media after unveiling her new Harper’s Bazaar cover—critics are calling her fashion choices a suspicious echo of Princess Diana herself! Twitter and Instagram lit up last week when glamorous snaps from the Duchess of Sussex’s latest magazine spread dropped, and eagle-eyed fans swiftly compared Meghan’s look to the beloved late mother of Prince Harry and Prince William.
Controversial figure Milo Yiannopoulos wasted no time fanning the flames, sharing side-by-side images of Meghan and Diana in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Yiannopoulos didn’t hold back, slamming Meghan as “the creepiest, most sinister, most wretched person on the face of the earth.” The sensational statement racked up a jaw-dropping 30,000 likes and clocked in at a staggering 1.7 million views, sending the internet into overdrive.
Milo Yiannopoulos hosts live stream of Republican congressional candidate Laura Loomer’s win at the airport Hilton in West Palm Beach, August 18, 2020. Loomer is one of five GOP candidates hoping to secure the nomination in the primary on Aug. 18. The winner will challenge the winner of Democratic primary between incumbent U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and Guido Weiss in the November general election. [ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com]
Although the mastermind behind Meghan’s outfits remains a bit of a mystery, the shoot was styled by Carlos Nazario and snapped by photographer Malick Bodian. The creative duo certainly shaped the overall vision, but it’s anyone’s guess how much input Meghan herself had on the wardrobe.
Royal history buffs are pointing out this isn’t the first time Harry has drawn parallels between his wife and his late mother, with the prince repeatedly using Diana’s legacy to argue for empathy towards Meghan. His comparisons have fueled heated debates, especially among monarchy supporters and palace loyalists, who see Meghan’s tribute as more than just a nod to royal style.
April 12, 2024; Wellington, FL, USA; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attend the Grand Champions Polo in Wellington. Prince Harry planned to compete in the evening’s match, a benefit for Sentebale; Mandatory credit: Thomas Cordy-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Harper’s Bazaar sit-down saw Meghan open up about her love for authenticity and discuss her headline-making turn at the Balenciaga parade in Paris Fashion Week. The accompanying fashion shoot showed Markle striking strikingly similar poses to Diana’s legendary snapshots—including one where she sits cross-legged in black pants and a crisp white shirt. That look instantly drew comparisons to an iconic photo taken of Diana by Patrick Demarchelier back in 1994, which remained private until being published in Paris Match in 1997, shortly after Diana’s tragic death.
Another picture showing Meghan in a bold red dress prompted inevitable links to Diana’s famous Vogue cover from the same year, also captured by Demarchelier.
Royal women have long paid homage to Diana, but Meghan’s choices have the online sleuths and detractors digging for darker motives. Unlike Kate Middleton, who openly wears Diana’s jewels and credits her mother-in-law, Meghan’s homage hasn’t come with an explanation—leaving internet critics buzzing over the possible hidden message.
While fashion throwbacks to the People’s Princess are nothing new in the royal wheelhouse, Meghan’s latest homage continues to push buttons—inspiring social media detectives and sparking fresh waves of controversy across the globe.
