Meghan Markle's Team Strongly Denies Claims of Keeping $1695 Dress

Representatives for the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, have issued a firm rebuttal to recent allegations concerning the emerald Galvan Ushuaia gown. Reports circulating via Page Six and various social media platforms suggested that the $1695 dress had somehow gone missing following a 2022 photoshoot for Variety magazine, implying Markle had retained it without authorization. Markle’s team characterized these accusations, which resurfaced toward the end of 2025, as "extremely defamatory." They maintain that the dress was left behind in full transparency and according to prior agreements with the styling teams.

The renewed controversy stemmed from the Duchess appearing in the identical garment in promotional materials for her Netflix Christmas special, “Meghan & Harry: A Holiday Celebration.” Sharp-eyed social media users and several fashion publications, including Page Six, noticed the reuse of the wardrobe piece. This observation subsequently fueled assertions by journalists that designers were short of the dress after the initial shoot.

Claims regarding the unauthorized retention of designer clothing are not entirely new. These allegations initially surfaced back in 2024 when journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis mentioned a “regular practice” by the Duchess of keeping garments following commercial photoshoots during an appearance on the Heretics podcast. Grigoriadis expressed bewilderment that someone residing in a Montecito mansion valued at over $15 million would show interest in items she could easily afford to purchase outright. Furthermore, sources have suggested that similar incidents allegedly occurred previously, citing, for example, an $8,000 Chanel tweed ensemble following her interview with The Cut.

In direct response to this wave of speculation, a spokesperson for Meghan Markle officially stated to People magazine on November 25th that any suggestion that items were kept without the knowledge of the stylists or their associated teams is untrue. The official statement asserts that all items designated for storage were returned “with complete transparency and in line with established agreements.” This declaration directly refutes the rumors claiming the Galvan dress was appropriated without proper clearance.

Insiders familiar with the fashion industry note that high-profile figures sometimes retain clothing to prevent unauthorized resale or auction, a situation that has reportedly affected items belonging to other members of the royal family. During her active tenure as a working royal, Meghan was restricted from accepting gifts, and her wardrobe was initially self-funded before receiving support from Prince Charles. Consequently, the Duchess’s team insists that all actions taken were fully compliant with contractual stipulations, despite the ongoing public debate surrounding the fine line between personal style choices and items borrowed for professional engagements.