Meghan Markle has been dubbed the “Copycat Duchess” after her latest fashion choice drew comparisons with a recent look worn by Kate Middleton.
The Duchess of Sussex attended the David Foster Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration with Prince Harry in Victoria, British Columbia, on August 7.
Meghan arrived in a floor-length black “Fabrizio” gown by Greta Constantine, reportedly valued at $1,800. Its dramatic shoulder draping led some royal watchers to compare the design with Kate’s bespoke olive-green Emilia Wickstead dress, which she wore to the Wimbledon men’s final the previous month.
“The timing has inevitably led to Meghan being called a ‘Copycat Duchess’ because Catherine had only recently made headlines with that dramatic cape effect,” an insider told Radar Online.
The source acknowledged that the two outfits were not identical but argued that their distinctive shoulder details made comparisons likely.
“When two hugely scrutinized royal women wear such prominent shoulder draping within weeks of each other, people are going to make comparisons,” the insider said.
Meghan’s appearance was expected to deliver a major fashion moment. Instead, the source claimed, much of the attention shifted to whether Kate’s Wimbledon outfit had influenced her choice.
“It is unfortunate for her that instead of the conversation being entirely about her gown, people immediately started asking whether Catherine’s Wimbledon look had provided inspiration,” the insider added.
There is no evidence that Meghan deliberately copied Kate’s outfit, and neither woman has addressed the fashion comparisons.
