Meghan Markle is facing plenty of online criticism following her latest magazine interview and cover. Keep reading to find out why the cover has caused such a stir.
Meghan Markle recently appeared on the cover of a major magazine with a notably natural, makeup-free look, and the image quickly became a topic of discussion online.
The 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex appears on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar US for its December 2025/January 2026 issue. Almost immediately, many people focused on her decision to appear without makeup, with some criticizing the natural appearance while others questioned whether the choice was made by the magazine and its creative team.
“Harper’s Bizarre and the photographer must really despise Meghan Markle. I can’t imagine any magazine or photographer letting these pictures grace the cover of any magazine,” one person wrote online.
“I think they forgot the airbrush,” another commenter added.
For the cover, Markle wore a black silk blazer featuring a cinched waist, a flared hem, and a bow detail across the front. She was photographed sitting on a stool against a grayscale background.
The cover features the headline, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Meets Her Moment. The accompanying story is described as an unfiltered conversation with journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge, in which Meghan discusses different parts of her personal and public life.
During the interview, she opened up about her relationship with Prince Harry, her lifestyle brand As Ever, her experiences as a member of the royal family, and the decision she and Harry eventually made to step away from royal duties.
The Duchess also reflected on how she has changed and matured following years of intense public scrutiny and controversy. She spoke about the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries.
“I think my boundaries became stronger once I came into the public eye… You find different ways to protect yourself, whether that’s self-preservation or it’s just growing up,” she said.
When asked whether she had any regrets about her past, Markle responded, “You learn not to do it again.”
“If it all goes swimmingly, you don’t learn from it. If you don’t learn anything, you’re not going to grow,” she added.
Still, not everyone online was impressed by the magazine cover. Some commenters criticized her appearance, while others compared her makeup-free style to celebrities who have also embraced a more natural look.
“Pamela Anderson wannabe,” one person wrote.
Another commenter focused on her hairline, writing, “Can we talk about her hairline? It happens to the best of us—but preferably not on the cover of a magazine. Photoshop anyone?”
Someone else described the image as having “the haggard look with the dead eyes of a soulless shark.”
The article itself begins with journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge describing her meeting with Markle at a friend’s home on New York City’s Upper East Side.
“When I enter, the house manager announces, ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,’ even though we appear to be the only other two people in the house,” Greenidge wrote.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced in 2020 that they would step back from their roles as senior working members of the British royal family. The couple later moved to California, where they continue to raise their two children.
Although they are no longer working members of the royal family, Harry and Meghan have retained their Duke and Duchess titles. They no longer use the styles of His and Her Royal Highness.
Despite the criticism, the cover also received plenty of positive reactions. Some people praised the decision to present Meghan in a more natural and vulnerable way.
“Love this cover! To me it encapsulates strength and vulnerability,” one supporter wrote.
Another person added, “Love this cover. And a lot of the fashion shows I initially didn’t like have been perfect in editorials.”
What do you think of Meghan Markle’s Harper’s Bazaar cover? Do you like the natural look, or do you think the magazine could have chosen a different photo? Let us know in the comments and share this story with others to hear their opinions.