5 Times Meghan Markle's Expensive Clothing & Accessories Caused A Stir

Since entering the Hollywood spotlight back in the 2010s, Meghan Markle has undergone a head-turning style transformation. The L.A. native's wardrobe has evolved from Hollywood chic to understated elegance as she went from "Suits" actor to Duchess of Sussex. Just as pricey Kate Middleton outfits show how lavish her life really is, this style evolution has come equipped with plenty of eyebrow-raising price tags.

As a member of the royal family, whose overall net worth is estimated to be around $28 billion, the actor is tasked with curating an impossible balance between aristocracy and relatability. So, similar to discussions about Markle's out of touch bookmark, there has been no shortage of commentary about her more expensive style decisions. Sometimes, criticism of her fashion is motivated by the same misogyny and racism that has plagued her relationship with Prince Harry. Other times, she's rightfully called out for how she chooses to use her position of immense privilege.

Still, since Meghan and Harry cut ties with the royal family, the duo are responsible for funding their current, California-based lifestyle. For her part, the Duchess says her comparatively humble beginnings continue to inform her approach to business and finances. "I grew up clipping coupons," she said during an interview with Emma Grede (via YouTube). "I still go on Retail Me Not before I buy something online to see if there's a promo code, even if it's free shipping. I'm just ingrained and wired in that way."

Sometimes, the opulence and rarity of something can justify an expensive price. Other times, high-priced items leave everyday fashionistas scratching their heads. The latter was the case for Meghan Markle back in 2019, as the Duchess generated quite the public response when she stepped out in a beige, caftan-reminiscent gown. The maternity dress was part of her Morocco tour wardrobe, which reportedly racked up a receipt of $145,000.

The piece, which featured an overlapping neckline and glittering trim on wide sleeves, was a custom-made Dior gown. In this way, the exact price is unknown, but outlets have estimated that it ranged from £60,000 to £90,000 (or about $70,000 to $105,000). Markle accessorized with more Dior pieces, including gold heels and a simple clutch, while adding to the outfit's price tag with a pair of £7,000 earrings from Birks. The Duchess rounded out the ensemble with a slicked-back bun and a glossy nude-toned lip.

Markle's maternity 'fit made headlines for its expensive price, with royal biographer Robert Jobson even alleging that the hefty cost angered Queen Elizabeth II. While the late queen definitely had a reputation for frugality, it's important to note that she also wore her fair share of opulent pieces when visiting foreign countries. In addition to its expensive cost, Markle's maternity 'fit drew criticism for being unflattering and boring, with several royal fanatics wondering how such a piece could cost such a pretty penny.

Meghan Markle has absolutely slayed a number of monochromatic looks, but sometimes these outfits come with questionable price tags. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited New York City in 2021 to attend Global Citizen Live, making a couple of stops before the social justice-oriented event. They visited Harlem's P.S. 123 Mahalia Jackson school, where the former actor was pictured reading her children's book "The Bench" to second graders.

Markle opted for a berry-colored ensemble for the appearance, wearing a loose-fitting cashmere coat and wide-leg pants. The Loro Piana pieces cost $5,840 and $1,685, respectively, with her accessories majorly extending the already-hefty outfit receipt. She stacked an assortment of bracelets, including a $6,900 Cartier Love bracelet, a $3,000 tennis bracelet from Jennifer Meyer, and a Cartier Tank watch formerly owned by Princess Diana. The 'fit was completed by a $4,500 diamond ring from Birks, pointed-toed heels, and a wavy hairstyle worn around her shoulders.

The Duke and Duchess made several donations to the school, including vegetables and herbs, hygiene products, and a washer and dryer for school uniforms. While the duo are clearly interested in using their platform for good, Markle's ensemble did receive some flack for being a tone-deaf choice for the occasion. It may have been on-trend, but it was also extremely expensive for a children's book reading at a low-income school.

Meghan Markle made headlines when she was spotted wearing a Galvan evening gown in the promotional material for her Netflix special, "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration." The Duchess glowed as she wore the silk dress, which retailed at $1,695, while setting a candlelit table, styling the piece with a side-parted hairstyle and an assortment of gold bracelets. The emerald piece was also worn by the royal during a 2022 photoshoot for Variety, a detail that caused stealing allegations to resurface. 

Back in 2024, journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis appeared on the "Heretics" podcast to make a bold claim about the L.A. native. "There was also a lot of stuff that was not returned after Meghan wore it in a very high profile photoshoot," Vanessa Grigoriadis said, suggesting the royal had taken items without permission. "What's shocking about hearing these kinds of alleged stories is the idea that somebody who is living in a $15 million-plus mansion in Montecito, who's just had $100 million deals ... would care enough to take home some jewelry and clothes from a photoshoot that she can clearly afford."

While the price tag and circumstances of this Meghan Markle outfit definitely turned heads, a spokesperson for the former actor shut down the scandalous rumors. "The insinuation that any items were taken without the full knowledge and agreement of the on-set stylists or their respective teams is not only categorically false, but also highly defamatory," they told People.

When Meghan Markle's lifestyle and cooking show, "With Love, Meghan," hit Netflix back in 2025, it sparked quite the mixed reaction. While some praised the show for how it demonstrated the royal's authentic passion for cooking and hosting, which were peeped in her pre-Duchess days on her blog The Tig, plenty of reviewers emphasized how any semblance of relatability was starkly offset by the host's extravagant circumstances. These conflicting sentiments are also reflected in Markle's wardrobe for the series, as moments of breezy denim and casual sweatshirts were contrasted with designer pieces and $1,000 jewelry.

For example, she briefly breaks down her "high-low" styling method for guest Mindy Kaling in Episode 2, explaining that she combined a $50 pair of Zara trousers with a cashmere sweater from Loro Piana and a striped jumper from Jenni Kayne styled around her shoulders. The crewneck top was priced between $1,325 and $4,995 while the jumper reportedly rang in at $395. She took the same approach to her jewelry, wearing a pair of $20 gold earrings from Mango with an assortment of pricey bracelets, including a diamond hex tennis bracelet from Ariel Gordon ranging from $5,565 to $6,195.

Markle has clearly mastered the quiet luxury trend, but the subtle elegance of her series wardrobe translates to a hefty price tag. With the royal's cumulative outfits ringing in at over $150,000, it's not surprising that the discrepancy between her expensive wardrobe and the intimate framing of the show were called out.

Meghan Markle made another questionable sartorial choice during her 2026 visit to Australia. She and Prince Harry took a four-day trip to the country's East Coast for a number of charitable and commercial engagements in April, with their day one itinerary including stops at the Royal Children's Hospital and a Homeless Services for Women Centre. The Duchess visited the latter alone, being pictured serving lunch to center users before reportedly joining them in the meal.

Markle looked polished and poised while wearing a Karen Gee dress, with the navy piece featuring a sleeveless bodice adorned with six gold buttons and a structured, tea-length skirt. She paired the designer garment, which retails for $1,250, and $780 heart-shaped earrings from Real Fine Studio with some of her favorite jewelry, including a $7,950 Cartier Love bracelet and the Cartier Tank watch formerly owned by Princess Diana. The "With Love, Meghan" host completed the look with a pair of Dior pumps, priced at $648, and a sleek ponytail.

Similar to her aforementioned trip to Harlem, Markle once again received criticism for wearing such an expensive ensemble while serving a disenfranchised community. While the high-dollar jewelry and clothing is arguably a distasteful choice for the occasion, the elegance of the look also feels impractical for hands-on volunteer work. Overall, some of these Meghan Markle looks rightfully rank among the majorly controversial fashion moments from royals.