Princess Diana's fashion designer defends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal exit

The late Princess Diana's fashion designer has voiced his support for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step down as senior royals

CANADA - OCTOBER 24: Diana, Princess of Wales, smiling during her visit to Sudbury, part of her official tour of Canada, The Princess is wearing a pink suit designed by fashion designer Paul Costelloe (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Princess Diana's former fashion designer has defended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's withdrawal from the Royal Family, revealing that he 'understands perfectly' their controversial decision.  

One of Princess Diana's favorite fashion designers has jumped to the defense of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following their decision to resign as senior royals. Paul Costelloe dressed the late Princess of Wales in the early years of her marriage to Prince Charles, during which time he witnessed first-hand the pressure on the younger members of the British monarchy. 

"I think sometimes royal living isn’t for everybody and the amount of restrictions required," he told the Irish Daily Mirror. The renowned stylist, who worked on Diana's iconic wardrobe at Kensington Palace in the early 1980s, is very sympathetic to Harry and Meghan's issues with the Royal Family. “I think they are a young couple and I wish them well if they want to have their own lifestyle."

"I can understand perfectly where they are coming from," he added.

Diana, Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997) visit the Marlow Health Centre in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, UK, June 1991. She is wearing a suit by Paul Costelloe. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)

Diana wearing a Paul Costelloe suit in 1991 

(Image credit: Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images))

Paul, who continues to design to this day, has always been quick to share his fond memories of being glam advisor to Princess Diana. He has repeatedly praised her as an easy, cooperative client, who was was 'incredibly warm and friendly' throughout their working relationship. 

"I always brought her flowers, which she seemed to appreciate," he said. "I don’t think she got many from Charles." 

Paul's empathy towards Harry and Meghan is likely rooted in his personal experience with Diana. He has now voiced support for the royal couple multiple times and even singled out Prince Charles for his response to their departure. 

"Charles is a coward," he said. "He is afraid. He wasn't able to handle the break-up of his marriage so he was already a loser in the way he behaved."

"It just wasn't in him to face up to the things he needed to face up to before it was too late."

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.