Meghan Markle decided Paris Fashion Week needed her and off she went. The Duchess of Sussex stunned guests at the Balenciaga show last month, making an unannounced return to Europe that even caught royal watchers off guard.
Dressed in a custom creation by Balenciaga’s new creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Meghan slipped into the French capital for a whirlwind fashion moment, despite Prince Harry’s ongoing worries about security when travelling on this side of the Atlantic.
Her team later confirmed that the duchess turned up in Paris for one reason, supporting Piccioli as he steps into one of fashion’s most coveted roles.
A spokesperson explained that Meghan has long gravitated toward his designs and the pair have teamed up on several major style moments over the years.
Their working relationship, built on shared taste and trust, made her appearance a natural show of solidarity. And as she watched Piccioli unveil his first Balenciaga collection, Meghan’s presence signalled not only friendship but her continued influence as a global fashion power player.
Pierpaolo is Markle’s old favourite. Before stepping into the spotlight, the director made his name at Valentino the Duchess has worn with unmistakable enthusiasm over the years.
During her whirlwind Paris Fashion Week appearance, the Duchess didn’t just take in the fashion; she worked the room like a seasoned industry insider.
She was spotted chatting with Vogue’s famously inscrutable Anna Wintour and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that could probably green light a fashion blockbuster on the spot.
Back home, Meghan and Prince Harry continue their California life in Montecito with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. And although Paris got a rare glimpse of the Duchess this autumn, the UK almost certainly won’t be next on her travel list.
Her last British visit was in September 2022 for a charity event that unexpectedly coincided with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, prompting the Sussexes to remain for the late monarch’s funeral. Since then, the obstacles to a return have only grown.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry lost his legal battle challenging the downgrade of his security arrangements in the UK, a ruling he argued made it unsafe to bring his family back.
In a remark to the BBC, the King’s youngest son made his stance saying, “I cannot see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point.”
