Meghan Markle was brutally savaged for her “provocative” and “concerning” move, after the duchess’s latest photoshoot appeared to bear striking similarities to some of the late Princess Diana’s most iconic photographs. The Duchess of Sussex gave a new interview to Harper’s Bazaar and did a photoshoot with them for the December 2025/January 2026 issue.
Meghan was seen in various outfits, including red and champagne dresses, and a black and white ensemble, among others. However, several royal fans and commentators alike found the photos to be eerily similar to snaps of Diana.
Now, following the furore, a PR expert described the move as a disaster and “such a bad idea” that could only spark fury and make her look like she contradicts herself.
Renae Smith, founder and director of The Atticism, told the Express: “[When I first heard about it] I thought, no way, surely she would never lean into that. Then I saw the photos, and it is undeniable.
“These are not gentle references or sweet tributes. They are copies. That cross-legged one on the floor? Stop it!
“From a PR perspective, it is such a bad idea. It is confusing, it is provocative in the wrong way, and it puts her straight back beneath the royal shadow she always bloody insists she wants to get away from.
“It’s not hard to avoid anything Royal. But she can’t go two weeks without doing something related to the Royal Family!”
In one of the pictures, Meghan is seen sitting barefoot on the floor, crossing her legs while holding her fingers and looking at the camera.
A very similar photo was taken by celebrity photographer Patrick Demarchelier in 1991, when he worked with the late Princess of Wales for the December issue of that year’s Vogue.
Other shots from the photoshoot, including her close-up portrait, appear to bear similarities.
Another shot that sparked interest was Meghan’s red ensemble by Balenciaga, which fans said is similar to Princess Diana’s other photoshoot for Vogue, published in 1997 to mark her death.
Diana wore a striking red gown by Valentino and was photographed by Mr Demarchelier again in 1994; however, the photos were used in 1997 for the tribute issue.
Another one of Meghan’s outfits for the Harper’s Bazaar shoot was a silk champagne gown, which, according to fans, closely resembled one Diana wore for her iconic portraits shot by David Bailey.
Ms Smith added: “I guess Harry might love it. I would assume she checked with him first and he probably told her it was lovely. It is his mother and his wife merged into one visual, so emotionally it might make sense for them.
“Strategically, it is terrible. It makes her look completely directionless. I genuinely do not know who is advising her or if they even have a plan.
“For me, this is beyond a simple bad PR move. It shows a lack of boundaries both personally and professionally.
“She keeps saying she wants distance from the royal world, yet she keeps inserting herself directly into the legacy of the most powerful royal symbol of all time and the mother of her husband.
“The contradiction is glaring, and the emotional implications are concerning.”
