Meghan Markle’s recent outfit has stirred up a storm—her weekend look ignited backlash, with some online users deeming it inconsiderate to Prince Harry’s late mother.
Meghan Markle is once again under fire on social media as her outfit selection has led to comparisons with the late Princess Diana, igniting intense discussions across online platforms.
A netizen’s comment on Meghan Markle’s weekend outfit, posted on February 24, 2025 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
During the weekend, Meghan was spotted in a purple college sweatshirt, strikingly similar to one Diana frequently wore to the gym in her later years. However, this subtle tribute to the late royal’s casual fashion didn’t go over well with online critics.
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Some critics claimed Meghan was exploiting Diana’s legacy for publicity, while others brushed off the controversy as overblown. One commenter wrote, “Harry should leave her over this 😂😂,” while another questioned her motives, stating, “It’s disrespectful how she keeps imitating Diana for positive media coverage. Diana would never have done what Ms. Markle has [sic].”
However, not everyone sided with the critics. A supporter came to Meghan’s defense, saying, “Meghan went to Northwestern, folks, so take your negativity elsewhere.”
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Some online users stood by Meghan Markle, encouraging critics to remember that she attended Northwestern University before jumping to conclusions about her outfit. Others simply pointed out this detail, emphasizing that Northwestern was indeed her alma mater.
A netizen’s remark about Meghan Markle wearing a similar outfit to the late Princess Diana, posted on February 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/extratv
A netizen comments on Meghan Markle wearing a sweatshirt similar to the late Princess Diana’s, posted on February 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/extratv
Meanwhile, some viewed her outfit as a meaningful display of school pride. However, not everyone was persuaded—one critic outright rejected these arguments, stating, “I don’t care if she attended that school—everyone knows she’s just seeking attention. She wants to be the next Diana, but she NEVER will be.”
Meghan Markle visits the Hubb Community Kitchen in London on November 21, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the ongoing discussion, it’s important to acknowledge that Meghan’s association with Northwestern University is well established. In 2017, after her engagement to Prince Harry, the university’s website recognized her as a distinguished alumna, further cementing her connection to the institution.
She earned her degree in 2003, completing a double major in theater and international studies, and was also an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
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Interestingly, Diana also shares a link to the university. As noted on the school’s official website, she visited the campus in 1996, making a memorable impact on both students and faculty.
Princess Diana arrives at Northwestern University in Chicago on June 4, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
She attended a charity gala at the Field Museum, captivating guests in a striking purple Versace gown—a shade strongly linked to the university.
Madeleine McGonigle, who was just four years old at the time, reminisced, “I remember shouting, ‘Princess! Princess!’—hoping to catch her attention. She turned, walked over to greet my sister Emily and me, and we handed her nosegays (small, fragrant bouquets), which is a classic gesture when meeting royalty.”
Princess Diana arrives for a gala dinner in Chicago on June 5, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Her younger sister, Emily, who was three at the time, recalled, “That moment became frozen in time for me. I looked up to her and saw her exactly as she appeared that day—the Princess. I grew up with that image in my mind every day, and the photo we took that day held a place of honor in my childhood home.”
Princess Diana leaves a gala dinner at the Field Museum of Natural History in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan has encountered similar criticisms in the past—online users have frequently drawn parallels between her style choices and Diana’s, down to her accessories. In May 2024, during her and Harry’s trip to Nigeria, her outfit stirred debate, with detractors labeling it “disrespectful.”
On May 10, the couple landed in Abuja as esteemed guests at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a project Harry launched in 2014.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The visit started with Meghan paying a quiet tribute to Diana through her jewelry selection. On the first day, she donned a crisp white suit, accentuated by a gold collar necklace.
Princess Diana speaks with Nigerian First Lady Maryam Babangida at a women’s fair in Lagos on March 16, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s elegant necklace bore a striking resemblance to one Diana wore during her trip to Nigeria with King Charles III in March 1990. Although Diana later refreshed her wardrobe, she continued to accessorize with the timeless piece.
Princess Diana at the State House in Lagos, Nigeria, in March 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle speaks at Lightway Academy in Abuja on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty ImagesThe next day, Meghan’s decision to wear a diamond cross necklace—a cherished gift from Harry that once belonged to his mother—garnered widespread attention. She paired the piece with a white strapless dress, but this jewelry selection ignited a mix of public opinions.
Meghan Markle smiles at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty
One onlooker remarked, “How disrespectful to Diana,” while another added, “She hasn’t earned it.” The backlash intensified with a critic declaring, “She’s not worthy of wearing Diana’s necklace.” Another simply stated, “Utterly insulting.” As the criticism mounted, reactions grew even more intense.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One critic remarked, “The late Queen, Prince Philip, and Princess Diana would be turning in their graves over Harry and Meghan’s behavior [sic].”
Another added, “Sorry, Meghan, but you will never be half the woman Princess Diana was. Unlike you, she’ll always be remembered for her humanitarian work—she poured her heart and soul into it while still making time for her boys [sic].”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some even speculated about Diana’s disapproval, with one saying, “Princess Diana must be rolling in her grave—this narcissistic woman wearing her jewelry… No way would Harry have married her if his mother were alive, not in a million years.”
Among the harsh critiques, a sarcastic remark emerged: “She knows all the choreography.” Yet, despite the negativity, there were also voices of support.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle receive traditional attire at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A fan complimented, “What a beautiful necklace—it truly shows their love for each other.”
Another supporter shared a gentler viewpoint, writing, “So sweet. I’m sure Diana would have loved her [sic].”
Meghan’s jewelry selections have often stirred debate since she first started dating Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In May 2023, Meghan was spotted wearing a Clarity Retreat Necklace during a hike, just a day after opting out of King Charles III’s coronation. The necklace’s official website described it as a tool to “protect your peace” and “release anything that no longer serves you.” Its crystal symbolism hinted at Meghan’s complicated ties with the royal family.
Royal biographer Omid Scobie mentioned on ITV’s This Morning that she remained in California to “preserve her peace” while Harry made the trip to London for his father’s milestone event.
Meghan Markle wears Princess Diana’s $22,000 watch and a $495 crystal necklace on hike https://t.co/99EM8LHEcE pic.twitter.com/e6UmuKfEiR
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) May 8, 2023
At the start of her relationship with Harry, Meghan wore a 14-carat gold chain featuring their initials, “H” and “M,” which she purchased in October 2016. According to the book Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family by Scobie and Carolyn Durand, palace aides cautioned her against wearing the piece.
“She was warned that wearing the necklace would only fuel photographers’ interest, leading to more images and fresh headlines,” Scobie and Durand wrote in their book.
Despite the advice, Meghan chose to keep wearing it, even showcasing the piece during the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney.
Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Driving Challenge in Sydney on October 20, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Despite ongoing controversies over Meghan’s jewelry choices, she and Harry remain focused on promoting the 2024 Invictus Games and engaging with military communities in Nigeria. Their trip to the country was carefully organized.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Their itinerary was filled with engagements, including meetings with military officials, visits to hospitals treating wounded veterans, and community events honoring local traditions while supporting military families. Meghan also used the trip as a chance to embrace her heritage, having previously revealed on her Spotify podcast, Archetypes, that she is 43% Nigerian.
Meghan Markle visits the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
