Meghan Markle has responded to criticism following her visit to Paris, a city known to have a historical connection to Princess Diana’s tragic passing. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was captured on camera leaving the Balenciaga after-show party during Paris Fashion Week, following a route reminiscent of Diana’s final moments before the fatal accident in 1997. Despite facing backlash for the perceived insensitivity of the video, reports suggest Meghan was unaware of the tunnel’s significance on the route. She and Prince Harry had previously declined multiple invitations to events in Paris due to its association with his late mother.
Nevertheless, Meghan attended Paris Fashion Week, where she received warm greetings from the European fashion community and former Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour. This appearance is believed to be part of an effort, known as “Project Thaw,” aimed at improving the Duke and Duchess’s relationships with the Royal Family and the British public.
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, Prince Harry had consistently expressed his reluctance to visit Paris due to his mother’s memory. Following the emergence of the car footage, a friend of Harry’s voiced concern, stating, “She’s driving around in that city where his mother died. She knows exactly what she is doing.”
In response to the controversy, Meghan clarified that her attendance at the fashion event was driven by her deep admiration for designer Pierpaolo Piccioli. The Duchess highlighted their collaborative work and longstanding relationship, emphasizing her support for his creative endeavors at Balenciaga.
Moving on from her Netflix ventures, Meghan is now engaged in a new podcast endeavor. The Mirror has introduced a Royal WhatsApp community to provide the latest updates on the UK’s royal family directly to users’ phones. Members can join the community by clicking a provided link and opting to receive news alerts and exclusive content. Special offers and promotions from the Mirror and its partners will also be shared with community members, who have the option to leave the group at any time.
In a statement to People magazine, Meghan’s mother confirmed her appearance on Vogue.com’s best-dressed list at Paris Fashion Week. The former actress’s positive reception by Dame Anna is seen as a significant public relations achievement for Meghan.