Is Meghan Markle Really Copying Kate Middleton’s Style with Her Cape-Style Gown?

The Duchess of Sussex wore a $1,795 Greta Constantine “Fabrizio” gown featuring a one-shoulder asymmetric neckline and a sweeping black fabric panel to the David Foster Foundation’s 40th-anniversary gala in Victoria, British Columbia. She attended the event alongside Prince Harry. RadarOnline reported the appearance and highlighted the garment’s design elements as central to subsequent fashion commentary.

Style comparisons emerge amid proximity of royal appearances

A palace source attributed the public reaction to timing, noting that Kate Middleton had recently worn an olive-green Emilia Wickstead dress with a cape-style overlay at the Wimbledon men’s final. That look featured fabric sweeping across her shoulders and down her back. The insider emphasized the two dresses were “certainly not identical,” but acknowledged the prominence of shoulder draping in both — appearing within weeks of each other — would inevitably invite scrutiny.

According to the same source, Meghan Markle was labeled a “Copycat Duchess” in response to the visual parallels. Another insider described the situation as “unfortunate” for Markle and confirmed observers began questioning whether Middleton’s Wimbledon outfit had served as “inspiration.”

Design distinctions noted by fashion analysts

RadarOnline pointed out clear differences between the two gowns. Middleton’s was a bespoke creation by Emilia Wickstead; Markle’s was the commercially available “Fabrizio” style from Greta Constantine. While Middleton’s cape effect came from an overlay, Markle’s relied on asymmetry and a heavier, more structured sweep of black fabric.

A fashion source told RadarOnline there remained “enough crossover” in silhouette and emphasis to sustain debate. Markle also accessorized the look with Princess Diana’s butterfly pavé diamond earrings and a Cartier Love bracelet.

The style discussion refocused attention on the Duchess of Sussex’s black-tie appearance and reignited broader interest in the public images of both women.