I agree, but at the same time its about optics. IN a time of austerity and cuts and economic uncertainty, the BRF has to be careful. Meghan, as many have discussed, is under an extremely intense microscope right now and I feel many in the British press, specifically the DM, will look for anything to pounce on.
Folks can claim that the Royals don't care, but they do care about their media coverage: they have to! The media shapes perception. Unfortunately, the DM Online is especially influential.
I would have side-eyed any royal lady wearing such an expensive dress for a photoshoot. Kate, I am sure, has worn similarily expensive dresses since so many of her pieces are bespoke and many of those are McQueen, I can guarantee she has. But because they are bespoke, the cost isn't as clear so she gets away with it. This gown the cost is clear and its IMO too high.
With all that being said, I am DELIGHTED that R&R are on her radar because I have been wanting her to wear them. And at the end of the day, all R&R pieces are handcrafted in the UK and they are a UK brand with ties to commonwealth too.