Prince William is reportedly frustrated with Meghan Markle's ongoing fashion choices, which some royal observers claim deliberately mirror those of his late mother, Princess Diana. The latest controversy stems from Meghan's recent appearance in a Northwestern University sweatshirt, a look reminiscent of one Diana wore in 1996 after receiving the garment as a gift during a visit to the university's Chicago campus.
A report from New Idea, citing royal insiders, claims William is "furious" over what he perceives as Meghan's continued efforts to associate herself with his mother's legacy. "William is known to have a hot head at times, so it's not surprising he is sensitive about anything involving his mother," the source said. "He just wishes Meghan of all people would leave Diana's memory alone."
Meghan, who attended Northwestern University from 1999 to 2003, has not commented on the comparisons, but critics argue that her choice of the sweatshirt-a newly purchased version from Nordstrom priced at $105-was more than a casual nod to her alma mater. Online backlash has been swift, with some social media users circulating the hashtag #MeghanMarkleAmericanPsycho, accusing the duchess of attempting to emulate Diana in a calculated manner.
The Northwestern sweatshirt is not the first instance in which Meghan has been accused of drawing from Diana's iconic style. Fashion experts have pointed out multiple occasions where the Duchess of Sussex has worn outfits bearing striking similarities to those once donned by Diana, including monochrome suits, off-the-shoulder gowns, and oversized collars. While some see these choices as a tribute, others view them as an attempt to cultivate an image that aligns her with the beloved princess.
Tensions between William and Meghan have remained high since the Sussexes' departure from royal life in 2020, and their subsequent Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, did little to mend relations. The six-part series prominently featured Diana's memory, with Meghan and Harry frequently referencing her influence on their lives. In one scene, Meghan was filmed pointing to a photo of Diana in their son Archie's nursery, telling him, "That's Grandma Diana."
Royal insiders suggest that William has grown increasingly frustrated with Meghan's repeated allusions to his mother, especially when they coincide with her commercial endeavors. The controversy over the Northwestern sweatshirt comes as Meghan prepares for the launch of her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, and her lifestyle brand, As Ever (formerly American Riviera Orchard).
"By linking herself to Di, she can be accused of acting in poor taste," one royal source told New Idea. "William's not happy - but he can't stop her."
William has largely refrained from publicly addressing his frustrations with Harry and Meghan, maintaining a stance of dignified silence even amid their most publicized accusations against the royal family. However, insiders suggest that Meghan's latest fashion choice may have struck a particularly sensitive nerve, given William's deep reverence for his mother's legacy.
Despite the controversy, Meghan's supporters argue that any resemblance to Diana's style is purely coincidental and that the duchess should not be criticized for embracing fashion trends that may align with those of the late princess.
Meanwhile, Meghan remains focused on her latest business ventures, including With Love, Meghan, which is set to feature celebrity guests such as actress Mindy Kaling and Suits co-star Abigail Spencer. The series aims to showcase Meghan's expertise in cooking, gardening, and home decor, further solidifying her transition into the lifestyle and entertainment sphere.
