Meghan Markle recently appeared with a new look, for the first time since announcing that she would not attend King Charles III’s coronation, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media platforms.

Markle made a virtual appearance to introduce a TED talk by her photographer friend Misan Harriman. She sported a sleek, straight hairstyle that led some social media commentators to draw parallels between her and her sister-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton. This also fueled speculation regarding potential cosmetic procedures or eye color alterations.

While some supporters of Markle dismissed the claims of cosmetic enhancements, others wondered if she had undergone any procedures during her time away from the public eye. However, insiders close to Markle refuted these allegations, attributing her refreshed look to weight loss after giving birth to her daughter, Lilibet. According to some sources, Markle altered her hair color but not her facial features, as she likes her natural nose, contours it, and uses bronzer to accentuate it. They did concede that she might have received Botox injections and lip fillers.

Accusations of Markle attempting to resemble Middleton were countered by suggestions that she was aiming for a more Hollywood-inspired appearance. The conversation surrounding Markle’s new look and her decision to forgo the coronation has been lively and extensive. Gossip circulated that Middleton had deliberately excluded Markle from the event, while some implied that Markle sought to cast herself as a victim by abstaining from the coronation. One royal observer alleged that Markle harbors resentment towards Middleton for causing her to miss Queen Elizabeth’s final moments.

Representatives for Markle refuted claims that her decision to skip the event was driven by concerns about racism within the royal family. Regardless of the rumors and conjecture, Markle’s updated appearance and nonattendance at the coronation continue to fuel ongoing debates and social media discussions.