It’s the kind of subtle but stunning change that makes people stop and stare. When the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, stepped into the spotlight for her latest magazine cover, the collective gasp wasn’t just for her high fashion style, but her face as well.
Specifically her eyes. In a side-by-side comparison with earlier photos, the former royal looks decidedly rejuvenated, sparking a new explosion of whispers that have followed her for years: Had the ‘Duchess Diva’ had work done?
RadarOnline.com has obtained the opinion of a top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, who analyzed the images and his professional opinion indicates that the rumors are more than speculation.
Comparing Markle’s recent 2025 Harper’s Bazaar cover and the accompanying photo of its oldest feature for 2022 The cutthe doctor detected a “striking change” in the upper eye area.
The verdict? A strong indication that the Duchess may have undergone a procedure known as blepharoplasty.
A dramatic makeover: Breaking down Meghan Markle’s eye makeover
Dr. Raffi Hovsepian, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon who has not treated the Duchess, reviewed photos of Markle from 2019 to 2022 along with her new 2025 images and immediately noticed a significant reduction in the “heaviness of her upper eyelids.”
She notes that the difference in her latest magazine spread is stark. Her “upper lid crease looks more defined, taller and cleaner, while the skin between the crease and browbone looks tighter and less hooded.”
Dr. Hovsepian states that this appearance is “highly consistent” with the aesthetic results of an upper eyelid (blepharoplasty), a less invasive “upper eyelid skin tuck technique,” and/or a conservative fat reduction.
The surgeon emphasizes that this is not a natural or simple change. it is a professional transformation.
“Meghan’s recent photos show a noticeably more lifted, defined, and open upper eyelid area compared to her 2022 images. The tighter skin, higher crease, and reduction in lateral coverage align with the type of transformation we typically see after blepharoplasty or brow/eyelid rejuvenation surgery,” Dr. Hovsepian exclusively explained. RadarOnline.com.
He concluded that the overall result is an undeniable improvement. “Her eye shape now looks brighter, more sculpted and more refreshed, which is why the difference is so visible compared to years past.”
Additionally, the expert noted, “There are also mid-face enhancements, smoother transitions under the eyes, and improved brow support that collectively enhance her overall look. These changes are aesthetic, cohesive and professionally executed—but undeniably noticeable when placed side by side.”
Beyond The Eyes: Past Rumors Surround The Duchess of Sussex
The reason why the changes were so evident in the new one Harper’s Bazaar The images are because the Duchess went with a particularly minimalist make-up. In the past, she was known for wearing heavy false eyelashes, a cosmetic accessory she has cut back on in recent years, allowing the structural changes in her eyes to take center stage.
It is not the first time that Meghan Markle’s face and body have become the subject of plastic surgery chatter. Speculation has long swirled that she may have had one or more rhinoplasty (nose jobs) throughout her career.
There were also rumors of a possible breast enhancement during her early days as a “briefcase girl” on the US game show Agreement or No Agreement (2006–2007) which may have later reversed.
However, the Duchess herself remained generally unfazed by the gossip. In a 2015 interview with Portermagazine, addressed the persistent plastic surgery rumors by saying, “I don’t pay much attention, honestly,” to the whispers.
Markle also appeared nearly naked in her first podcast appearance in April 2025, where she sat down with boyfriend Jamie Kern Lima.
The Los Angeles native was excited to avoid the hassle of mascara when she broke down in tears discussing her current project: essentially writing emails to her two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Libette, four, who she shares with husband Prince Harry.
“It makes me so emotional that they can look back and say, ‘Oh my God, he’s loved us so much,'” the Duchess gushes before noting, “Oh, I didn’t expect that,” to misty eyes. She added, “That’s why it’s so cool not to wear makeup.”
