The Duchess of Sussex has once again captured headlines for all the wrong reasons during her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where a series of social missteps have royal watchers and etiquette experts raising eyebrows.
The Catwalk Controversy
During Dior's highly anticipated Spring-Summer 2025 show, cameras captured Meghan Markle in a moment that's sparked widespread discussion. As a model stumbled dramatically on the runway, the Duchess was seen covering her mouth and giggling alongside her friend, Sophie Trudeau. The incident, caught on video, has divided social media, with critics calling it "unkind" and "unbecoming of royal decorum."
A Pattern of Protocol Breaches
This wasn't the only etiquette misstep observed during Meghan's Parisian fashion excursion. Earlier in the week, the Duchess appeared to snub acclaimed actress Kristin Scott Thomas, who famously portrayed the Queen in Netflix's 'The Crown'. Witnesses reported an awkward encounter where Meghan seemingly ignored the actress's attempts at greeting her.
Further breaches noted by fashion insiders included:
- Arriving late to the Dior show, causing disruption as she was seated
- Wearing a revealing backless top that some deemed inappropriate for the occasion
- Maintaining excessive phone use during the prestigious event
Royal Etiquette Under Scrutiny
The series of incidents has reignited discussions about Meghan's relationship with royal protocols since stepping back from senior duties. "While no longer a working royal, she still carries the title and public expectation," noted royal commentator Eleanor Thompson. "These repeated breaches suggest either a disregard for or misunderstanding of the decorum expected at such events."
Social Media Reaction
The online response has been typically polarised, with defenders arguing that Meghan's reaction was a natural human response to an unexpected moment. However, critics have been less forgiving, with one royal biographer describing the behaviour as "consistently tone-deaf" when it comes to public appearances.
As the Duchess continues to navigate her post-royal life in the public eye, this latest controversy serves as another chapter in the ongoing discussion about celebrity, royalty, and the expectations that follow both.
