Meghan Markle’s spokesperson has debunked reports that she did not seek permission when she took a $1,700 dress from a 2022 photo shoot.
Per PEOPLE, Meghan, 44, wore the green Galvan “Ushuaia” one-shoulder dress in promotional content for the holiday episode of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reports about the Duchess of Sussex wearing the gown without permission were circulated after a 2022 photo shoot with Variety showed her wearing the same dress.
“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,” a spokesperson for Meghan told the news outlet. “Any items kept were done so in total transparency and in accordance with contractual arrangements.”
A source with knowledge of the industry’s practices informed the news outlet that a talent keeping some items from a photo shoot is something that isn’t unusual. The source explained that it’s occasionally due to security reasons, such as to avoid a possible resale or an unapproved auction.
While executing her duties as a working royal, Meghan was barred from accepting free clothing. This also applied to the other British royal family members, PEOPLE reported. The Duchess of Sussex also personally footed the bill for her wardrobe before her royal wedding in 2018. King Charles, who was Prince at the time, ultimately allocated her a clothing budget for her formal endeavors after the wedding. Working royals were entitled to a clothing budget during that period.
Meghan has previously touched on her clothing choices, stating on The Jamie Kern Lima Show in April that she endeavored to wear clothing from smaller businesses whose objectives aligned with her heart.
Meghan touched on that feeling, saying it was “really great when, specifically, it can help uplift brands that have a great ethos and female founders.”
She continued: “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?”
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