Once promised and desired to have a quiet and private life Meghan Markle turned heads by appearing at the Balenciaga Paris show. But who is Meghan Markle? Why was she attending Paris Fashion Week? And what was the public reaction? Let’s dive on those questions together.

Who is Megan Markle?

The former actress was born in the US. From 2011 to 2017, she played her best-known role in the TV-series Suits. But her life turned in a totally different direction in 2016, when her friend arranged a blind date for her. Thanks to that introduction, Meghan went on her first date with the Duke of Sussex, the younger son of King Charles III. With millions watching around the world, on Saturday in 2018 Meghan Markle became a part of the royal British family during a grand wedding ceremony. Since then the media has never been quiet about the pair, and Meghan especially. 

What was Meghan Markle doing at the Paris fashion show?

Taking her entire team with her to Paris, consisting of make-up artists, fashion stylists, hair stylists and more, Meghan attended the Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli to support him. While wearing a custom made total Balenciaga look, Markle was also seen running into and sharing some words with Anna Wintour. The media are guessing what were the “real” intentions behind the appearance. Was it a strategic move, as ELLE editor Naomi May suggested, in order for Duchess to position herself in the rapid growing fashion world? Or was it a subtle answer to all the criticism, an elegant appearance demonstrating power? Either way, Naomi May described Meghan’s public appearances as “a calculated business plan”. In the article it is clearly stated that the duchess was there, not for the trends, but for the connections. Can this be a sign that we will see Meghan Markle more often involved in the fashion industry?

What did the public think of the debut?

Before the appearance, in a famous British poll conducted annually, 54% of survey participants viewed her unfavourably. The same website mentions Harry and Meghan as the least liked personas of the royal family. So similarly to the previous public impressions, the fashion debut of the Duchess was not taken positively. Wearing a total white covered suit, with a white long cape and accentuated black simple boots, the woman divided the opinions of many. Some Instagram users were fascinated by such elegant and sleek outfits. Others questioned the contradiction between her public advocacy for children rights and her attendance of a Balenciaga show, especially remembering the backlash the brand faced in 2022 for a campaign widely criticized for its inappropriate portrayal of children. Most TikTok and YouTube videos are filled with hatred and loathing, however some comments see this appearance as a response and challenge to the sexism and racism directed at Meghan.

We know only that, undoubtedly, Meghan Markle‘s appearance will be long remembered and can hardly guess when we are going to see the member of the British Royal family again.

_{Featured image: Town and Country Magazine.}