By Digital Spartans 
Meghan Markle’s surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week has sparked mixed reactions among royal watchers and those close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. While the Duchess earned widespread praise in the fashion world, her decision to visit Paris — a city deeply associated with the tragedy of Princess Diana’s death — has left some in her inner circle reportedly “stunned.”
For Meghan, the trip was a clear public relations victory. She landed on Vogue’s Best Dressed List and even received a rare public compliment from Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, who greeted her warmly at the show. Meghan also shared a friendly moment with Pierpaolo Piccioli, the new creative director at Balenciaga, cementing her growing influence in luxury fashion circles.
However, the glamorous moment quickly became a source of controversy. Many observers pointed out that Meghan’s appearance in the French capital came despite Prince Harry’s known reluctance to visit the city due to its connection with his late mother, Princess Diana, who died tragically at the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in 1997.
The criticism intensified after Meghan posted a short video on Instagram showing her car driving past the same bridge where Diana lost her life. In the clip, she was seen casually resting her Balenciaga heels on the seat opposite her, a gesture some royal insiders described as “insensitive.”
A source close to the couple told British media, “Harry has always said no to Paris because of his mother. Meghan knew that. For her to film that video there — it’s shocking.”
Despite the backlash, Meghan’s representatives have maintained that the trip was strictly professional. A spokesperson told People magazine that Meghan attended the Balenciaga show out of admiration for Piccioli, emphasizing that she has “long respected his craftsmanship and modern elegance.”
The timing of Meghan’s Paris appearance also comes as her lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” struggles to gain commercial traction. While initially positioned as a line celebrating wellness and artisan living — with a focus on handcrafted jam and organic teas — the brand has failed to capture the high-end market. Insiders suggest Meghan is now exploring a pivot toward fashion and beauty, hinting at a rebranding effort in line with her recent appearances.
Adding to speculation, sources claim that Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry is under visible strain. The couple made a joint appearance in New York shortly after Paris, attending the Project Healthy Minds gala, where they received the Humanitarians of the Year Award. While Meghan appeared upbeat and affectionate, observers noted Harry’s distant demeanor and tense body language.
According to one close friend, “They want different things. Meghan is ambitious, focused on her global image and projects, while Harry seems emotionally withdrawn. There are times when it’s really not great between them.”
Next week, Meghan is set to appear at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, signaling her continued push toward establishing herself as a global business figure. Whether Harry will join her remains uncertain, with insiders suggesting he may sit this one out.
For Meghan Markle, the Paris trip may have achieved exactly what she intended — renewed attention, admiration, and headlines. Yet, it has also reignited questions about her marriage, her brand direction, and her delicate balance between independence and image.