Meghan Markle made headlines after an awkward yet lighthearted moment with Italian fashion designer Pier Paolo Piccioli during Paris Fashion Week. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, attended the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 show, marking her first appearance at the prestigious event — and her first European trip since the 2023 Invictus Games.
The encounter took place as Meghan Markle leaned in to congratulate Piccioli, who recently became Balenciaga’s creative director. In an amusing mishap, she accidentally bumped her nose against his sunglasses instead of landing a cheek kiss. Both laughed off the moment, with Piccioli taking Meghan’s hand and posing with her for the cameras.
A spokesperson for the Duchess said Meghan has long admired Piccioli’s “craftsmanship and modern elegance.” Dressed in a chic all-white outfit — featuring a cape, button-down shirt, and tailored trousers — she completed her look with black heels and a sleek bun, exuding effortless sophistication.
Inside the event, Meghan was seen warmly greeting Vogue’s Anna Wintour and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. Other high-profile attendees included actress Anne Hathaway and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
Later, Meghan shared glimpses of her Paris experience with her 4.2 million Instagram followers, posting videos of her walk to the show and nighttime views of the city from her car. Fans also noticed her relaxed pose, putting her feet up on the car’s leather seat as she admired the view.
While Meghan Markle attended the event solo, sources revealed that Prince Harry stayed home in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “They always make sure one parent is home for bedtime,” a family friend shared.
The Duchess’s appearance comes amid renewed attention on her husband’s relationship with King Charles. Despite recent tensions, reports suggest the monarch hopes to rebuild family ties.
Next week, the Duke and Duchess will head to New York City to receive the Project Healthy Minds’ Humanitarians of the Year Award, recognizing their efforts to promote mental health awareness through their Archewell Foundation.
In other news also read about Prince William Promises ‘Change for Good’ as He Prepares to Redefine the Monarchy
