A surprise front-row appearance at a major Paris fashion show has been followed by online criticism for Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
The former actress made an unannounced debut at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, attending the Balenciaga presentation. According to the brand’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, the visit was a personal gesture, arranged directly between them.
“We’ve kept in touch for years,” Piccioli stated in a recent interview. “She contacted me expressing her desire to attend. I kept her arrival quiet because genuine surprises are precious in this industry.”
For the event, she chose a stark white gown with a cape detail, accessorized with diamond earrings. A representative explained her attendance was meant to support Piccioli in his new role at the historic fashion house, citing a longstanding professional relationship and admiration for his work.
However, the trip drew scrutiny beyond the runway. A social media post she shared from Paris sparked a backlash, with some observers criticizing its timing and location. The clip showed her riding in a vehicle with her feet elevated, filmed near the Pont d’Alma bridge. This area is noted for its proximity to the tunnel where Diana, Princess of Wales, died in 1997.
Commentators labeled the post insensitive, leading to a swift defense from her associates. They strongly denied any intentional reference to the tragedy, calling the accusations a significant exaggeration and stating the route did not pass close to the tunnel itself.
Reports suggest the subsequent criticism was distressing for her husband, Prince Harry, who was said to be more resigned than shocked by the renewed focus on his mother’s death in relation to his wife.
