“The Magazine Hates Her”: Meghan Markle Under Fire After Interviewer Calls Her Out

Meghan Markle’s choice to appear makeup-free on the cover of a major publication seems to have backfired online.

The 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex was revealed as the cover star of Harper’s Bazaar US December 2025/January 2026 Art Issue, published Thursday, November 20.

Viewers were quick to roast her natural look, with some criticizing her “lack of charisma” and others speculating, “someone in the magazine definitely hates her.”

“That kind of photoshoot close-up in her face makes her even creepier than normal. She really thinks that she is THE IT GiRL, but she is just not…” wrote one user.

Meghan Markle graced the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar US’s latest issue in a makeup-free look

Meghan Markle in a makeup-free cover photo sitting in a white dress during a black and white photoshoot session.

Image credits: meghan

Wearing a tailored black silk blazer with a cinched waist, flared hem, and a tied-up bow detail at the front, Meghan Markle posed seated on a stool against a grayscale background.

She looked directly into the camera with slightly parted lips, introduced by the cover title, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Meets Her Moment.

The cover story included an unfiltered interview with journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge, in which Meghan discussed various aspects of her life.

Meghan Markle with a natural look and Prince Harry at a formal event, spotlight on makeup-free appearance.

Image credits: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images

Comment on social media post, text saying Angela Barkess laughing emojis and a statement about duchess and royals in a casual online discussion about Meghan Markle's makeup-free photo.

Topics included her love story with Prince Harry, the rise of her lifestyle brand As Ever, her time in the royal household, and her eventual exit, among others.

While reflecting on how she has grown and evolved after facing several controversies since her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017, Meghan emphasized the importance of her “boundaries.”

The former American actress was introduced to interviewer Kaitlyn Greenidge as the “Duchess of Sussex,” rather than simply by her name

Meghan Markle in a candid moment with a makeup-free face, smiling and gesturing with her hands against a dark background.

Image credits: harpersbazaarus

“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.”

When asked what she’s learned from past missteps, Markle replied, “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.”

Meghan Markle makeup-free portrait showing natural expression with hand on cheek in black and white cover photo session.

Image credits: meghan

Comment on social media saying looks like she is about to sneeze, referencing Meghan Markle makeup-free cover photo reaction.

However, social media erupted in a heated debate over the cover story, with critics mainly targeting the former Suits star.

Ripping apart her makeup-free look, one user wrote, “She looks HORRIBLE here. Her delusions of being a fashion icon and model and whatever else are just…DELUSIONAL. She looks even more basic.”

Meghan’s “boundaries became stronger” after being thrust into the spotlight, especially following her marriage to Prince Harry

Meghan Markle posing makeup-free in a stylish black suit for a Harper's Bazaar cover photo shoot.

Image credits: harpersbazaarus

Another user agreed with the sentiment, commenting, “how is she not embarrassed by herself, I have so much second-hand embarrassment… She looks so bad in these photos. I absolutely don’t know how or why she approved these.”

Another third, pointing to Meghan’s parted lips and strained expressions on the cover, joked, “Looks like she is about to sneeze.”

Others discussed a specific sentence in the article that, to many, came across as “an eye roll.”

Meghan Markle in a makeup-free black outfit, sitting on a stool with a pensive expression in a minimalist setting.

Image credits: meghan

Screenshot of online comments discussing Meghan Markle's makeup-free look, describing it as rough and unusual.

Kaitlyn described her introduction to Markle at a friend’s house on the Upper East Side in New York City, writing, “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.”

One disappointed fan of Meghan wrote, “I’m a huge Meghan defender, but this is a bizarre thing to do in the intimacy of your own home… I’m sure the journo is fully aware and doesn’t need reminding of her title. I’m glad they not so subtly called it out.”

“Someone at [Harper’s Bazaar] does not like Meghan Markle..” speculated one netizen

Meghan Markle posing makeup-free on a beige couch wearing a satin off-shoulder dress, looking thoughtful and relaxed.

Image credits: harpersbazaarus

Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step down from royal duties in late 2020.

Shortly after, the couple relocated to California, citing the need for privacy to raise their infant son, Archie.

The two welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, in 2021 in California and have since maintained a strained relationship with the royal household.

Meghan Markle in a black and white makeup-free portrait, looking contemplative and relaxed with her hand in her hair.

Image credits: meghan

Meghan Markle in a makeup-free cover photo, captured in a candid moment about to sneeze, sparking mixed reactions.

Some users highlighted this in response to the magazine’s interviewer noting Meghan’s use of her title during the introduction.

“I thought she didn’t want to be a Duchess!” one user remarked, while another added, “Really, Duchess? Thought she was done with the royals.”

Both Meghan and Prince Harry are non-working royals and therefore have retained their Dukedom

Meghan Markle in a makeup-free cover photo, captured in black and white, sitting with hands clasped and hair tied back.

Image credits: meghan

While the couple no longer hold or use their His/Her Royal Highness titles, they remain members of the royal family as “non-working” royals.

Because of this, despite their departure from the United Kingdom, Prince Harry has kept his Dukedom, meaning Meghan continues to hold the title of Duchess of Sussex.

 

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A post shared by Harper’s BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus)

They are not the only non-working royals who still retain their titles; Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and several others fall under the same category.

However, some supporters of the 44-year-old Duchess argued that she is “one of the most beautiful women alive” and insisted it was the publication’s fault for “doing her dirty” with the photos.

Go behind the scenes of our winter 2025 cover shoot with #DuchessMeghan and head to the link in comments to read the full cover story, where she opens up about motherhood, marriage, and living in the moment. pic.twitter.com/J9cdEmxWLb

— Harper’s BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus) November 19, 2025

“They did her dirty… First time I’ve seen a bad picture of hers, yet here is an entire editorial of unflattering photos.”

“Agree to disagree – it’s disarming at first because we’re used to a perfectly curated cover. I like the simplicity,” wrote one supporter

Comment by Christine Emery criticizing Meghan Markle’s makeup-free cover photo and public narrative, with laughing emojis.

Comment about Meghan Markle’s makeup-free cover photo, humorously referencing a fairy tale transformation.

Comment defending Meghan Markle and Harry, praising their family values amid royal family controversies.

Meghan Markle in a candid moment about to sneeze, showcasing her natural, makeup-free look in a cover photo.

Meghan Markle in a candid makeup-free photo, captured with bright lighting and a natural expression.

Comment by Lindsay Anne discussing Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo with a focus on her natural hairline.

Comment by Sharon Moses-Coleman reacting to Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo, discussing public criticism online.

Comment on Meghan Markle's makeup-free look questioning the absence of her makeup artist in a social media post.

Comment on Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo expressing a critical reaction with casual language and emojis.

Comment by Courtney Claridge discussing Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo and perceptions of female empowerment.

Comment from Cathie Branham, Realtor, expressing surprise about hair quality and questioning the photographer's choice in a social media post.

Comment about Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo, joking it's more like about to sneeze.

Meghan Markle makeup-free cover photo showing natural look with neutral expression, sparking mixed reactions online.

Comment by Pamela Chelsea stating maybe some people aren’t meant to go barefaced about Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo.

Comment mentioning Harper's Bizarre by user Missy Heckler with 9 likes on a social media post.

Comment by Kelly Meier D'Hondt about the backlash on Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo on social media.

Comment criticizing Meghan Markle’s makeup-free cover photo, highlighting poor photography and intense expression.

Meghan Markle in a candid makeup-free cover photo looking as if she is about to sneeze, sparking strong reactions online.

Meghan Markle about to sneeze in a makeup-free cover photo that sparked harsh online criticism and reactions.

Meghan Markle’s makeup-free moment caught mid-sneeze in a widely criticized cover photo.

Comment criticizing Meghan Markle’s makeup-free photo, mentioning her hair, skin, and appearance in a harsh tone.

Screenshot of a social media comment criticizing Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo, highlighting reactions to her natural look.

Comment on social media post criticizing Meghan Markle’s makeup-free cover photo, referencing a negative reaction from HB.

Meghan Markle's makeup-free close-up photo showing a candid moment, drawing mixed reactions online.

User comment on Meghan Markle's makeup-free cover photo, discussing lighting and appearance about to sneeze moment.

Meghan Markle makeup-free cover photo showing candid expression, sparking varied reactions and online discussions.

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