In a refreshingly honest revelation, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has disclosed that she took the initiative to secure her own invitation to one of the most anticipated events of the fashion calendar.
Speaking in a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Meghan ended the speculation surrounding her surprise appearance at the Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week in early October. She confirmed that she personally reached out to the brand's creative director, her friend Pierpaolo Piccioli, to offer her support.
The Candid Confession
The Duchess provided a charming insight into how the appearance came about. “I was excited for him,” she reflected on her Parisian night out. “I reached out and I said, ‘Happy to come and support you’. We kept it a secret, and it was really fun.”
This account was corroborated by the designer himself in a separate conversation with The Cut. Piccioli explained that they have been in contact for years, stating, “Meghan and I met some years ago, and we've been texting ever since. She reached out and said she'd love to come to the show.” He was keen to emphasise the spontaneity of the gesture, adding, “There was no strategy or big orchestration.”
A Night of High Fashion and an Awkward Moment
Meghan’s attendance at the Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear show on October 5 marked her first trip to mainland Europe in two years. Her spokesperson had initially described her presence as “the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship” with Piccioli, with whom she has collaborated on several significant fashion moments.
However, the glamorous evening was not without a slightly embarrassing incident. A video from backstage captured the moment Meghan leaned in to congratulate the designer, only to accidentally bump her head on his sunglasses.
According to body language expert Judi James, the awkward clash was not the Duchess's fault. She analysed that it was Piccioli who created the 'cringe' moment by getting too close and misreading Meghan’s non-verbal cues during their air-kiss. Fortunately, the designer quickly laughed off the encounter and pulled her in for a photo, smoothing over the disjointed greeting.
The Aftermath and Royal Support
The revelation in Harper’s Bazaar puts to rest any rumours about how the Duchess came to be at the prestigious event. It paints a picture of a modern royal figure proactively supporting a friend’s career milestone.
Piccioli cherished the surprise element of her attendance, noting, “I didn't tell anyone she was coming because I wanted it to stay a surprise. In fashion, real surprises are rare, and this one was beautiful.” This candid admission from the Duchess offers a rare glimpse into the personal initiatives she takes beyond her official royal duties.
