And who could blame her? Netflix has once again stirred the pot with a cheeky nod to Princess Catherine in the latest season of *Emily in Paris*. It almost seems as though the streaming giant is delighting in taking a jab at Meghan Markle following her bold pitch for an "Emily in Paris, but make it a gay man" show.
In the premiere of *Emily in Paris* Season 4, viewers are treated to a sly reference to Princess Catherine during a scene set at the French Open. Mindy, played by Ashley Park, is seen wearing a pink dress gifted by her boyfriend Nicholas (Paul Forman). Emily, portrayed by Lily Collins, comments, "It’s a little more Kate Middleton than you normally go for."
This seemingly offhand remark is anything but innocent. It’s a clear homage to Catherine’s iconic tennis style. The dress that Mindy sports—with its pastel hue, white trim, and button detailing—bears a striking resemblance to the Ballman dress Catherine wore to Wimbledon in 2023. Netflix, ever the provocateur, even confirmed that Mindy’s dress is vintage Ballman. It’s almost as if they’re saying, "Look at how effortlessly chic Catherine is," a subtle hint that Meghan might want to take notes.
Let’s be honest: if anyone needs a lesson in demure elegance, it’s Meghan Markle. While Catherine epitomizes grace with her carefully curated wardrobe choices, Meghan’s style has often veered into more questionable territory. Catherine’s attire at the wedding of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan’s son was the pinnacle of sophistication—a flowing high-neck dress in soft coral that accentuated her elegance and respect for the occasion. It was the embodiment of demure chic, in stark contrast to Meghan’s fashion choices, which have sometimes strayed far from modesty. From questionable strapless bras to outfits more suited for a night out than a royal tour, Meghan’s wardrobe has often missed the mark of modest chic.
It’s no wonder she might be green with envy over Catherine’s effortlessly stylish ensembles. Before her royal days, Catherine worked as a fashion buyer, a job that undoubtedly honed her sense of style. She listens to fashion advisors and seamlessly integrates their suggestions with her own taste, resulting in a wardrobe that is consistently flawless—something Meghan’s outfits, with their occasional sweat stains and ill-fitting cuts, often lack.
Speaking of fashion blunders, Meghan’s wardrobe choices sometimes resemble more of a mud wrestler’s attire than that of a royal. Her attempts at high fashion frequently miss the mark, whereas Catherine’s choices are always spot-on. Whether it’s chic shorts for athletic events or a sophisticated gown, Catherine knows how to dress appropriately for every occasion—something Meghan could certainly learn from.
The ongoing feud between Meghan and Netflix adds another layer to this fashion drama. Despite the Sussexes’ exclusive deal with the streaming giant, their pitches for new projects have faced significant setbacks. Netflix has turned down several of their proposed shows, including a sitcom similar to *Emily in Paris* but with a male lead, and an animated series intended to replicate successful Netflix originals. It’s almost poetic justice that Netflix would choose to feature a nod to Princess Catherine’s fashion in *Emily in Paris*, given the Sussexes’ recent struggles with the platform. If anything, this reference feels like a subtle yet pointed reminder of Catherine’s style dominance over Meghan’s fashion missteps.
