Meghan Markle Under Fire for ‘Cosplaying’ Princess Diana in Controversial New Photoshoot

In a headline-grabbing turn of events, Meghan Markle is once again embroiled in controversy — this time for what critics are calling a brazen attempt to cosplay her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

After the release of her latest Harper’s Bazaar magazine cover and accompanying photo spread, social media erupted, with many accusing the Duchess of fetishizing Diana’s legacy rather than honoring it.

A Haunting Resemblance

Meghan Markle’s photo shoot, published in the December 2025 / January 2026 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, features a striking series of black-and-white images. In one frame, she sits cross-legged on the floor; in another, she reclines languidly on a chaise longue.

Her wardrobe — a red, off-the-shoulder cape dress paired with a sharp black silk blazer — and her poses drew immediate comparisons to iconic portraits of Princess Diana.

Longtime royal watchers and online critics quickly drew parallels. Observers noted the similarity of Meghan’s styling to a famous Vanity Fair shoot of Diana in 1997, saying the poses and even her facial expressions felt “eerily familiar.”

On Reddit, users went further, alleging she “cosplayed Diana to a T.”

“She’s absolutely diabolical and obsessed with Diana … the smile, the pose, the sunglasses — she mimics her dead MIL,” one Redditor wrote.

“It’s sick the lengths she has gone to cosplay her,” another added.

A Trend, Not a Moment

This is not the first time Meghan Markle has come under fire for channeling Diana’s image. Critics note a consistent pattern: similar outfits, accessories, and body language that echo Diana’s most enduring photographs.

In November 2019, during a solemn commemoration ceremony at The Cenotaph in London, Meghan’s all-black outfit — complete with a wide-brimmed hat and cinched waist — struck many as a deliberate reiteration of Diana’s own attire from a past memorial.

 Pop culture commentators were quick to call it out, accusing her of “exploiting” Diana’s memory to bolster her own image.

More recently, during a rare public appearance in early 2024, Meghan shared a portrait of herself wearing a sleeveless gray Totême dress and a Cartier watch — a timepiece once owned by Diana.

 That sparked renewed debate about whether she was reclaiming her royal legacy or capitalizing on it for social clout.

The Backlash Intensifies

Reaction to the Harper’s Bazaar shoot was swift and scathing.

On social media, critics described Meghan’s aesthetic as “creepy,” “inauthentic,” even “obsessive.” One recurring accusation: that she is not merely paying homage to a beloved figure, but rather using Diana’s legacy as a prop in a larger PR strategy.

Some detractors went so far as to argue that Meghan’s repeated nods to Diana suggest she’s trying to “steal” the late princess’s narrative — perhaps even to reposition herself in the public eye as the rightful heir to Diana’s affections and influence.

“It makes her look like a cheap, desperate imitation,” wrote a Reddit user.

“She’s a narcissistic sociopath … her behavior is getting worse … she’s lost the plot and is out of control,” said another.

“Cosplaying your husband’s dead mother is insane and creepy,” added one more.

Beyond social media, tabloid critics and traditional royal commentators have raised their voices too. Some accuse Meghan and Prince Harry of leaning on Diana’s legacy to maintain relevance even after stepping back from official royal duties — a move called “strategic nostalgia” by analysts.

Royal Circles Are Watching

The ripples of this controversy may extend into the very heart of the royal family. According to reports, Prince William — Diana’s eldest son — has quietly expressed frustration over Meghan’s frequent stylistic nods to their mother.

 Sources suggest he views her actions as more than harmless homage, interpreting them as exploitative and attention-seeking.

One insider told Thanh Niên that William is “simmering” behind closed doors, suggesting Meghan’s efforts to evoke Diana could be a way to curry favor or grab headlines.

The same source claimed that his irritation isn’t new — the duchess’s resemblance to Diana in her fashion choices has reportedly irked him for years.

A Deeper Question: Tribute or Takeover?

This controversy raises a thorny question: When does admiration cross the line into appropriation? For some, Meghan’s stylized echoes of Princess Diana represent a touching tribute, a way of honoring a woman whose life and legacy continue to resonate deeply.

Indeed, Meghan has previously made efforts to publicly remember Diana, such as wearing a necklace that belonged to her mother-in-law.distinctly performative about her recreations — as if she’s not merely honoring Diana, but trying to be Diana.

The concept of “cosplay” in this context may sound harsh, but it’s the language that critics are increasingly adopting. It’s not just about fashion — it’s about identity, legacy, and the commercialization of memory.

Meghan’s Response — Or the Lack Thereof

As of now, Meghan Markle has not publicly addressed the backlash. The Harper’s Bazaar piece does not include any explicit references to Diana or commentary linking the photographs to her legacy — suggesting that if there is an homage, it’s left open to interpretation.

To her defenders, this ambiguity is intentional and strategic: Meghan may be choosing to let her visuals speak for themselves, without verbalizing any direct claim to Diana’s memory. But that very ambiguity fuels the controversy — and raises the stakes.

Public Sentiment: Divided and Heated

Public reaction remains fiercely divided:

Supporters argue Meghan has every right to draw inspiration from Diana, a figure she married into and continues to respect. They describe the criticism as sexist or rooted in resentment.

Critics claim the visuals are manipulative — a calculated branding move dressed up as reverence.

In online forums, some users accuse Meghan of leveraging Diana’s tragic legacy for personal gain: “If I dress like your mom … then her ghost will possess me,” read one biting comment on Reddit.  Others warn that in trying to recapture Diana’s glow, Meghan risks cheapening the very person she seems to admire.

Why It Matters

This debate taps into deeper issues than just fashion or celebrity. It’s complicated by grief, memory, and legacy.

Princess Diana remains one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Her charm, charisma, and tragedy continue to captivate the world decades after her death. For Meghan, aligning with Diana might serve not only as a personal tribute, but also as a way to anchor her own public identity.

Yet, for some, the repeated visual echoes raise concerns: Is the duchess honoring Diana, or is she using her as a vessel to amplify her own narrative? And in doing so, is she commercializing not just Diana’s image, but her emotional legacy?

The Fallout — And What’s Next

The backlash could have real consequences. In an age where personal branding is everything, especially for someone like Meghan Markle, any hint of miscalculation can damage public trust and fuel longstanding criticism.

Media implications: The controversy may fuel tabloid speculation and opinion pieces questioning her motives.

Royal implications: If Prince William is indeed upset, this could complicate already fragile family relationships.

Public legacy: How this moment is perceived may shape Meghan’s long-term public image — as either someone who reveres Diana or as someone who recycles her memory.

Final Thought: A Tribute or a Trap?

Meghan Markle’s latest photoshoot might have been intended as a dramatic homage to Princess Diana — but instead, it has ignited a firestorm of criticism.

Whether it’s seen as respectful tribute or unsettling mimicry, the imagery has tapped into deep-seated emotions around identity, legacy, and the way we remember icons.

In the end, the question remains: Is Meghan seeking connection — or validation? And in channeling Diana, who, if anyone, is she really becoming?