“More Diana Cosplay”: Meghan Markle’s All-Black ‘As Ever’ Kitchen Shoot Sparks Fresh Online Comparison to 1991 Princess of Wales Portrait
Following the rollout of her lifestyle brand’s second festive drop—Holiday Collection: Chapter One—Meghan Markle has drawn sharp criticism across royal social media circles. Online commenters accused the Duchess of Sussex of “cosplaying” her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, pointing to striking visual parallels between Meghan’s promotional kitchen portrait and Diana’s celebrated 1991 shoot for British Vogue.
The Image and the Diana Comparison
The promotional photograph features the 45-year-old Duchess styled in minimalist, monochrome attire:
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The Outfit & Pose: Wearing a form-fitting black turtleneck paired with tailored black trousers and black footwear, Meghan leans back against a marble-topped kitchen counter. One hand is raised to touch her chin and mouth as she glances off-camera with a subtle smirk.
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The Accompanying Shot: A secondary lifestyle image showcases a close-up of hands spreading artisanal fruit preserves across freshly baked tarts.
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The Historical Reference Point: Royal commentators quickly placed the image alongside Patrick Demarchelier’s iconic December 1991 shoot for British Vogue, in which Princess Diana posed against a clean studio backdrop in a black turtleneck, slim-fit black leggings, and black flats, flashing a relaxed, sideways expression.
The Online Backlash: “Constant Mimicry” vs. Seasonal Wardrobe Classic
The juxtaposition sparked instant debate across X (formerly Twitter) and royal discussion forums:
| Perspective | Social Media Arguments & Observations |
| Critics (“Diana Cosplay”) | Argue the combination of the turtleneck, hand-to-chin pose, and monochrome styling is too specific to be accidental: “More Diana Cosplay… I thought her look was familiar… She does not have her own personality; she is always copying others.” |
| Supporters & Fashion Writers | Note that a black turtleneck and high-waisted trousers are universal autumn/winter wardrobe staples popularized by Audrey Hepburn and classic mid-century style, making royal imitation claims an overreach for a commercial food campaign. |
The Promotional Context: Expanding the ‘As Ever’ Holiday Line
The debated portrait accompanied the release of As Ever’s luxury hamper offerings:
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The Curated Hampers:
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The Pantry Basket (£195): Three jars of fruit preserves, two jars of wildflower honey, culinary flower sprinkles, three loose-leaf herbal teas, and seasonal mulling spice kits.
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The Parlour Basket (£182): Parlor game card decks, home candles, and sweet confectionery.
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The Hostess Basket (£159): Table linens, fruit spread, and kitchen essentials.
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Gourmet Sweets: Treasures of the Orchard artisan chocolate-covered fruits retailing for £56.
The controversy follows a turbulent news cycle for the Sussexes in the UK, landing just hours after Prince Harry’s MasterClass disclosures—where he detailed daily reflections before Princess Diana’s portrait and revealed his post-royal depression—and coming on the heels of Meghan’s private Mayfair dinner with Malala Yousafzai.
