Meghan Markle criticised for monetising outfits in Australia
Meghan Markle has faced fresh criticism during her visit to Australia with Prince Harry after reports claimed palace figures were uneasy about links between her public appearances and online shopping commissions. The Duchess of Sussex has spent several days in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on what has been described as a “quasi-royal” tour, drawing crowds but also renewed scrutiny of how the couple balance philanthropy with commercial work.
During the trip, Express reported that outfits Meghan wore at public engagements were listed on her page on OneOff, a celebrity shopping platform that allows users to buy similar items via direct links and can generate commission on sales.
The report said the listings included the black “Priscilla Dress” by Karen Gee, which Meghan wore during a visit to a children’s hospital in Melbourne, as well as accessories such as Real Fine Studio earrings. It added that the prospect of earning money connected to appearances at charitable organisations had prompted concern in royal circles, with one insider describing the approach as having “crossed a line”.
The controversy has also overlapped with criticism of a luxury “girls’ weekend” event in Sydney where Meghan is due to appear as a VIP speaker, with ticket prices for the retreat starting at £1,439 and premium packages exceeding £1,700. Britpop News previously reported claims that Meghan was charging extra for a VIP photo opportunity at the Sydney retreat, adding to questions about the optics of high-priced events alongside charitable visits.
Despite the backlash, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have continued to attract attention during the visit, with supporters praising Meghan’s style and independence. The latest claims underline continuing debate over how the couple’s commercial ventures sit alongside public-facing engagements that resemble traditional royal duties.
