Meghan Markle Accused of ‘PR Play’ After Wearing $100K Outfit to Hospital and Shelter Visit With Prince Harry

Meghan Markle is on the receiving end of some massive brickbats after her pricey outfit and accessories were deemed inappropriate by some critics during her visit to an Australian children’s hospital and women’s homelessness shelter, along with her husband, Prince Harry, in Melbourne on Tuesday, April 14.

According to RadarOnline, Meghan wore an outfit reportedly valued at over $100,000 during her first two stops which marked the first day of her and Harry’s Australian tour. The tour involves the couple ticking off their charitable work as well as taking up speaking engagements, which are said to be a paid endeavor.

The Duchess of Sussex was seen sporting a chic look in a black sleeveless Priscilla Dress ensemble by Australian designer Karen Gee that is reportedly priced at $1,250.00. She paired the look with Dior heels that were said to be sold for just under $750 when she had originally bought them.

Not only this, but the former Suits star also wore several high-value accessories to complete the entire look. The As Ever founder wore gold earrings from the brand Puffy Hearts, which are worth $780.

She furthermore paired the look with her late mother-in-law Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank watch, which, despite being priced at $26,000, is actually considered a valuable royal heirloom, with estimates far exceeding its retail value. The With Love, Meghan star also wore the gold Cartier Love Bracelet from her first husband, Trevor Engelson, which was said to be priced at $7,950.

Meghan Markle gave her diamond engagement ring from her husband a miss and opted to wear her gold wedding band instead. Instead, she chose to wear a three-carat Lorraine Schwartz emerald-cut diamond pinky ring, which was worth $70K.

The couple met kids and young cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at the Royal Children's Hospital and were welcomed by a large crowd, after which they were seen clicking selfies, hugging, and interacting with the children.

Some of the kids were still hooked up to their medical devices, while others had their masks on and were wheelchair-bound. Three of the girls were also said to have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments.

Apart from facing backlash for her overall look, Meghan, along with Prince Harry, was also criticized for allegedly using the kids as a “PR opportunity” and a medium for photo-ops. Pictures have also gone viral of one of the kids having to remove her mask for the couple to take a picture with her, which has left many social media users furious.

The Duchess wore the same opulent look during her visit to the McAuley Community Services for Women, which is a center that helps women and children who have been victims of homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma.

Social media users bashed the Duchess of Sussex as her pictures from these two occasions went viral. One of the X users wrote, “Yep, nothing like making those homeless women feel comfortable around you by not shoving your money in their faces, is there?”

Another user on X said, “Why wear something so expensive to a refuge giving out meals to women who haven’t got a home?” Another social media user stated, “Narcissists do not process shame. Markle thinks she looks perfect.” An X user chimed in, “Zero empathy for other people. That’s Markle.”

Meghan Markle continued to keep her sartorial choices top-notch for the other event, which was a visit to the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum.

The former royal wore a P. Johnson turtleneck sleeveless sweater worth $220 under a $1,000 St. Agni brown suede bomber jacket. She further paired the look with a $890 worth skirt, $800 worth Aquazzura Purist beige heels, and $950 Real Fine Studio signature earrings.