Meghan Markle’s Fashion Faux Pas: A Royal Copycat Controversy

At the 2021 Salute to Freedom Gala held at the Intrepid Museum in New York City, Meghan Markle made a striking entrance in a vibrant red Carolina Herrera dress.

The gown, complete with a daring deep neckline, a plaited skirt, and a thigh-high slit, certainly turned heads.

However, it didn't take long for royal watchers to draw comparisons between Meghan's ensemble and a similar look worn by Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, back in 2011.

Sophie dazzled attendees at William and Catherine's pre-wedding dinner in a stunning red dress that, while featuring a different skirt design, shared key elements with Meghan's outfit.

The resemblance lies in the color, the plunging neckline, and the straps.

This similarity has sparked a wave of criticism, with some fans suggesting that Meghan's choice was less than original.

Comments have surfaced online, with one royal enthusiast expressing disappointment, stating, “How embarrassing for Meghan.

Sophie looks so beautiful in that dress.

Clearly, Sophie wore it better.” Many observers noted that while Sophie's gown appeared polished and expertly crafted, Meghan's looked somewhat haphazard, leading to speculation about her stylist's capabilities.

Meghan's fashion journey began when she entered the royal spotlight in 2017 as Prince Harry's girlfriend, culminating in their wedding in 2018.

In contrast, Sophie has been a part of the royal family since 1999, allowing her ample time to refine her style.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Meghan has donned outfits strikingly similar to those of Sophie.

Diana Borerman, a PR and marketing manager at Jewelrybox, weighed in on the fashion parallels between the two duchesses.

She pointed out that both women share a fondness for belted silhouettes, bohemian-style dresses in bold colors, and wedge heels.

Despite the formal nature of royal attire, both Meghan and Sophie have found ways to express their individuality through unique accessories and playful prints.

Meghan has often sported animal prints, ranging from leopard-print kitten heels to cow-patterned pumps.

Sophie, on the other hand, has made her own statement with a memorable leopard-print pillbox hat.

According to Diana, both women are adept at using their wardrobes to convey significant messages.

The expert highlighted that Meghan has been particularly vocal about supporting smaller designers and ethical fashion.

Her wardrobe choices often reflect her commitment to sustainability, such as the pointed Rothies ballerinas she wore during a trip to Australia, crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

Sophie's style, described as unpretentious, is evident in her choice of handbags.

She frequently opts for pieces from Rome-based designer Sophie Habsburg, known for her whimsical prints and use of unconventional materials.

Habsburg's designs often feature ethnic embroidery and varied textures, perfectly complementing Sophie's down-to-earth aesthetic.

Several instances illustrate the similarities between the two royals' fashion choices.

For example, Meghan made headlines in June 2018 with an elegant all-white Givenchy dress at her first Royal Ascot.

Just a month later, Sophie donned a similar ivory custom-made dress for the RAF Centenary event.

Their fashion overlap continued with Sophie's choice of an orange fitted dress by Victoria Beckham, which she paired with Gianvito Rossi heels for a charity event in September 2015.

Meghan followed suit, wearing an almost identical Azura print dress by Race in 2019, complete with her favorite Manolo Blahnik pumps.

The pattern of matching styles doesn't stop there.

At a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2015, Sophie turned heads in a chic blue dress by Amelia Wickstead.

Three years later, Meghan appeared in a black version of the same bespoke design, further fueling discussions about their intertwined fashion narratives.

As the comparisons continue to emerge, it's clear that both Meghan and Sophie have carved out their own places within the royal fashion landscape.

Whether they are drawing inspiration from each other or simply sharing a similar aesthetic, one thing remains certain: the world will be watching closely as these two duchesses navigate the complexities of royal style.