Meghan Markle has revealed that she invited herself to Paris Fashion Week, which took place in the French capital last month, despite her husband, Prince Harry, expressing concerns over security when in the UK.
The Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show in October, wearing a custom outfit by the fashion house's new creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli.
The trip was a total surprise and marked Meghan's first return to Europe since the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany.
Her spokesman told GB News: "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show in Paris on Saturday night in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of Creative Director for the House.
"This marks her first time back to the shows in over a decade."
Fans were not informed whether the Duchess of Sussex attended Paris Fashion Week of her own volition, or if she had received a formal invitation.
Meghan has now set the record straight in a new interview.
The 44-year-old told Harper's Bazaar: "I was excited for him (Mr Piccioli). I reached out and I said, ‘Happy to come and support you.’ We kept it a secret, and it was really fun."
Meghan Markle 'reached out' and invited herself to France amid Prince Harry's UK security fears
|GETTY / BBC
Her spokesman continued to tell the People's Channel: "Over the years, the Duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo.
"They have worked closely together collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage.
"She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different.
"This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga."
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Meghan said that her appearance in Paris was 'the culmination of many years of friendship' with the fashion designer
| GETTYMr Piccioli previously worked at Valentino, a brand Meghan has worn on several occasions.
During her trip to France, the Duchess mingled with Vogue's global editorial director Anna Wintour and film director Baz Luhrmann.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex currently live in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were last in the UK as a duo in September 2022
| PADespite finally returning to Europe for the first time in two years, Meghan is thought to have no intentions of travelling back to the UK.
The Duchess last visited the UK in September 2022 to attend a charity event, which meant she was in the country when Queen Elizabeth II died.
As a result, she and Prince Harry stayed in England for the duration of the funeral.
Earlier this year, the Duke of Sussex lost a legal challenge over the levels of security he and his family are entitled to while in the UK.
Harry was seeking to overturn a decision that had downgraded his security after he ceased being a working royal and moved to California.
The King's youngest son subsequently told the BBC: "I cannot see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point."