Meghan Markle is once again at the center of a royal controversy, this time sparking outrage over an incident during Paris Fashion Week that many fans and royal insiders say disrespected the memory of the late Princess Diana. The royal family has issued a major statement addressing the backlash and setting the record straight amid mounting online fury.
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The uproar started after Meghan shared a video on her Instagram showing her relaxing in a limousine, stretching her legs casually while the car passed near iconic Parisian bridges, including the Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Invalides. Social media users quickly claimed that the limo route passed close to the Pont de l’Alma tunnel, notorious as the site of Princess Diana’s tragic car crash in 1997. The casual display of Meghan “putting her feet up” near such a solemn and sensitive site was viewed by many as insensitive and disrespectful.
The royal family's official statement expressed deep sadness over the hurt caused but urged the public to consider the facts carefully. They clarified that Meghan’s video was filmed en route to the Balenciaga Fashion Week event and was not intended as a deliberate disrespect toward Princess Diana’s memory. The palace emphasized the importance of respecting private grief alongside public scrutiny.
Royal experts chimed in, describing the backlash as “utterly bewildering” yet underscoring how Diana’s enduring legacy evokes strong emotions. Some acknowledged Meghan’s return to Europe for Paris Fashion Week was a significant step in her public life, hoping for understanding amid intense media coverage.
The statement also touched on Meghan’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, highlighting her efforts to promote causes close to Diana’s heart, including mental health and women’s empowerment. The palace appealed for compassion, emphasizing Meghan’s dedication to upholding positive values despite the relentless public and media pressure she faces.
While some critics remain vocal online, calling the video “disrespectful” and accusing Meghan of insensitivity, many fans have rallied in her defense, pointing out misinterpretations and the dangers of rushed judgments on social media platforms.
This controversy coincides with Meghan’s highly publicized presence at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week runway, where her fashion choices and association with the luxury brand drew mixed reactions.
As Meghan navigates the complex legacy of joining the royal family while forging her own path, this incident underscores the challenges of balancing personal expression and respecting deeply held royal traditions.
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Critics quickly condemned Meghan’s casual "feet up" video as insensitive given the proximity to the iconic and somber location. Social media erupted with accusations that Meghan disrespected the memory of her late mother-in-law, with some harshly criticizing her intentions and labeling the act as callous.
Buckingham Palace responded by emphasizing that Meghan’s video was never intended as a disrespectful gesture. The official statement urged the public to consider the context: the video was filmed during her journey to the Balenciaga runway show at Paris Fashion Week. The palace called for understanding, reminding the public of Meghan’s ongoing humanitarian work and commitment to positive causes close to Princess Diana’s heart.
Royal observers described the backlash as “utterly bewildering” yet acknowledged how Diana’s enduring legacy evokes powerful emotions. They noted Meghan’s return to Europe for such a major fashion event was a significant step in her public life, deserving nuance rather than swift judgment.
While some continue to voice outrage online, many supporters defended Meghan, warning against misinterpretation and the dangerous spiraling of social media reactions detached from facts.
Alongside the controversy over the video, Meghan faced mixed reactions for attending the Balenciaga event, a brand previously criticized for controversial campaigns. However, Meghan’s spokesperson emphasized her appearance was to support Balenciaga’s new creative director, continuing her fashion advocacy.
This controversy highlights the intricate challenges Meghan faces balancing her personal expression, media scrutiny, and royal family traditions.
