Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of public debate after reports that she is earning affiliate commissions from clothing she wore during appearances connected to the Invictus Games, the international sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans.

The controversy follows criticism she received only weeks earlier when an affiliate fashion platform reportedly featured an outfit she had worn while visiting children in a hospital during a trip to Australia. Critics argued that linking commercial promotions to charitable engagements blurred the distinction between philanthropy and personal business, while Meghan’s representatives maintained that the images had been selected automatically and were later corrected.

Before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Australia earlier this year, their spokesperson explained that the visit would include both charitable engagements and commercial appearances. However, some royal commentators have suggested that the overlap between public service and commercial activity has become increasingly difficult to separate.

Attention initially focused on an AI-powered fashion platform in which Meghan is reported to have invested. The service allows public figures to showcase clothing they have worn, enabling followers to purchase similar items through affiliate links. According to reports, users who purchase through those links generate commissions for the celebrity, typically ranging from 10% to 20%.

Criticism intensified after the platform displayed Meghan’s hospital-visit outfit alongside photographs that included the children she had met. The image was subsequently removed, but not before prompting strong reactions from some royal observers.

Royal commentator Tom Sykes described the situation as deeply inappropriate, while other unnamed sources argued that using photographs connected to seriously ill children to promote fashion crossed an ethical line. They contrasted the incident with what they described as the more restrained standards traditionally associated with the Royal Family.

In response, a spokesperson for Meghan explained that she had worn the same outfit throughout the day during several unrelated engagements, including sightseeing and a boating excursion in Sydney. The representative also said the platform sometimes automatically sourced photographs from Getty Images and that Meghan’s team was working closely with the company to ensure only approved images were used.

Despite the criticism, Meghan has continued using the platform. More recently, reports revealed that her profile now features clothing she wore while attending previous Invictus Games events, allowing followers to purchase similar outfits through affiliate links.

The timing has drawn renewed scrutiny because Prince Harry is actively promoting the upcoming Invictus Games, which are scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year. Critics argue that commercializing outfits associated with an event dedicated to supporting wounded service members creates an uncomfortable association between charitable work and personal income.

According to reports, Meghan receives affiliate commissions generated through purchases made via her page. Although the earnings are not believed to come directly from Invictus funding, some observers believe that profiting from clothing connected to the Games raises questions about appearances and potential conflicts of interest.

One source claimed the issue is not simply about earning money but about public perception. According to the source, if proceeds were donated to the Invictus Foundation, criticism would likely be minimal. Instead, because affiliate commissions reportedly go to Meghan personally, some people feel the arrangement undermines the charitable spirit of the event.

The source added that Invictus exists to recognize the sacrifices made by injured military personnel and veterans. In their view, any commercial activity connected to the Games risks distracting attention from the athletes and the organization’s mission.

Reports also suggest that Prince Harry may privately feel uncomfortable with the controversy, although no public criticism of his wife has been made. According to unnamed insiders, Harry remains fully supportive of Meghan but recognizes that even the perception of impropriety could damage the reputation of one of the charitable causes closest to him.

Those sources claim Harry approaches public controversies differently from Meghan. Having spent most of his life as a senior member of the Royal Family, he is said to place significant importance on public perception and avoiding situations that might create even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

According to the same reports, Harry would prefer public attention to remain focused on the achievements of Invictus competitors rather than discussions surrounding Meghan’s wardrobe or business activities. At the same time, he is reportedly unwilling to publicly distance himself from his wife’s entrepreneurial ventures.

Meanwhile, Meghan is said to view the criticism quite differently. Sources close to her reportedly argue that she is simply participating in the same type of affiliate marketing used by countless celebrities and influencers around the world. From that perspective, sharing fashion choices through commission-based links is considered a standard business practice rather than an ethical concern.

Supporters of Meghan also argue that criticism directed at her often receives greater attention than similar commercial activities undertaken by other public figures. According to reports, she believes many of the objections are exaggerated and form part of a broader pattern of negative scrutiny that has followed her for years.

Some fans of the Invictus Games, however, have voiced disappointment online. One Canadian supporter questioned whether it was appropriate for someone connected to a charity event supported through public funding, corporate sponsorships, and donations to earn personal commissions from clothing associated with that same event.

The debate also reflects the different personal and professional backgrounds of Harry and Meghan. Before marrying into the Royal Family, Meghan built a career as an actress and lifestyle entrepreneur. She previously operated The Tig, a lifestyle blog featuring recommendations on fashion, travel, food, and wellness, making commercial partnerships a familiar part of her career.

Prince Harry, by contrast, spent most of his adult life as a working royal supported through royal funding and inheritances. Reports estimate that he received financial support while carrying out official duties, inherited substantial sums from both Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and lived in royal residences without facing many of the financial pressures experienced by private citizens.

Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have pursued independent income through media partnerships with companies including Netflix, Penguin Random House, and Oprah Winfrey’s production projects. Nevertheless, insiders continue to describe Invictus as Harry’s most meaningful personal commitment.

According to previous reports, Harry considers the Games one of the defining purposes of his post-military life. Friends say he views every success achieved by Invictus as deeply personal because of the years he has invested in developing and supporting the competition.

That emotional connection may explain why reports suggest he feels conflicted whenever controversies threaten to overshadow the event itself. Sources claim Harry wants both to protect Invictus’ reputation and to support Meghan’s efforts to establish a successful independent business.

The issue also has implications for the Sussexes’ relationship with the Royal Family. Since leaving royal duties in 2020, both Harry and Meghan agreed not to use their royal positions for commercial purposes. Critics have argued that some of Meghan’s business ventures, including her lifestyle brand As Ever, push against those expectations because the branding prominently references her title as the Duchess of Sussex.

Royal commentators have suggested that any future discussions about Harry taking on a limited or part-time royal role could become more complicated if commercial activities continue to generate controversy. Some insiders argue that working members of the Royal Family cannot risk appearing alongside individuals whose clothing or appearances may later be used in commercial promotions.

According to reports, differences between Harry and Meghan’s approaches have become increasingly noticeable in recent years. Meghan reportedly believes they should embrace modern celebrity business models, while Harry continues to be influenced by the traditions and expectations that shaped his upbringing within the monarchy.

Observers have pointed to previous incidents, including photographs from Kris Jenner’s birthday celebration that reportedly caused concern because they surfaced around the UK’s Remembrance Day commemorations. According to sources, Harry worried about public perception, whereas Meghan was less concerned about criticism.

Whether the latest debate fades quickly or continues to generate discussion, it illustrates the ongoing challenge the Sussexes face as they balance charitable work, commercial opportunities, and intense public scrutiny. Their supporters view Meghan’s affiliate marketing as a routine business activity, while critics believe the timing and context create an appearance that risks overshadowing causes such as the Invictus Games, which Prince Harry has spent years building into one of his most significant philanthropic achievements.