Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, attracted significant online attention during Paris Fashion Week after posting an Instagram video filmed inside a limousine. While many fans praised her fashion choices during the visit, others criticized the video’s location, which appeared to be near the Pont de l’Alma tunnel — the site of the 1997 car crash that claimed the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The incident has ignited an online debate, with some social media users calling the clip “insensitive,” while others argue the criticism has been exaggerated.
Meghan Markle Attends Paris Fashion Week
On October 4–5, 2025, Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, attending the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show. According to Getty Images and event coverage by major fashion publications, she arrived in a sleek and minimalist white ensemble featuring a cape layered over a crisp shirt, paired with black pointed-toe heels and a slicked-back bun.
Her entrance at the Balenciaga show generated widespread attention on social media. Many fashion commentators described her look as elegant and modern, with several users on Instagram praising her “radiant” appearance and “poised” demeanor.
Meghan’s attendance was also connected to her support for Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga’s newly appointed creative director. A spokesperson for the Duchess confirmed that she has admired Piccioli’s work for many years and previously collaborated with him on fashion pieces for key public appearances. Her presence at the show was part of an ongoing professional relationship, rather than a spontaneous visit.
The Instagram Video That Sparked Backlash
Amid her time in Paris, Meghan posted a short Instagram story filmed from inside a limousine. The video, captured from her point of view, showed her relaxing in the back seat with her feet propped up as the vehicle passed through several iconic Parisian locations, including Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Invalides.
Viewers quickly noted that the vehicle’s route appeared to lead toward the Pont de l’Alma tunnel — the site of the crash that killed Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, and driver Henri Paul on August 31, 1997. The location remains an emotional site for many royal followers, and tributes are regularly placed there in Diana’s memory. According to Getty Images archives, fans have left flowers and notes at the site each year since her passing.
The proximity of the video’s filming location to the tunnel prompted some online users to express discomfort, particularly given Prince Harry’s publicly documented reflections on his mother’s death. In his memoir Spare and multiple interviews, Harry has spoken openly about the lasting impact of that event on his life.
Online Reactions: Praise and Criticism
Reactions to Meghan’s limo video were mixed. Some social media users criticized the timing and location, interpreting it as disrespectful. Comments on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram included phrases like “insensitive” and “inappropriate,” with some users expressing concern about how the video might affect Prince Harry emotionally.
Others defended Meghan, pointing out that the Pont de l’Alma is part of a major traffic route through Paris, and passing near the tunnel is common for vehicles traveling through the city center. Some users argued that the criticism was “overblown” and that there was no evidence to suggest she intentionally referenced the crash site in her post.
This division mirrors broader patterns in public commentary about Meghan Markle. Since stepping back as a senior member of the British royal family in 2020, she has been both celebrated and scrutinized by different segments of the public and media.
Paris Fashion Week Appearance: A Mix of Reactions
While the video drew criticism, Meghan’s fashion choices at Paris Fashion Week received widespread media coverage. Fashion commentators from outlets such as Vogue and Elle noted that her oversized white cape and structured styling reflected current minimalist couture trends.
Online, reactions were polarized. Admirers praised her outfit as “stunning,” “timeless,” and “sophisticated,” while critics mocked the silhouette, comparing it to unconventional objects. These contrasting opinions are consistent with the Duchess’s previous public appearances, which frequently attract both enthusiastic praise and sharp critique.
Despite the debate over her outfit and Instagram post, Meghan’s presence at the Balenciaga show underscored her continued involvement in high-fashion circles. Her collaboration with Pierpaolo Piccioli aligns with her history of championing specific designers, including Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller, who designed her 2018 wedding gown.
The Pont de l’Alma Tunnel: Historical Significance
The Pont de l’Alma tunnel holds deep significance in modern royal history. On the night of August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dodi Fayed, and Henri Paul died in a car crash inside the tunnel while being pursued by paparazzi. Investigations by both French and British authorities concluded that excessive speed and driver impairment were the primary causes of the accident.
The site remains a location where fans and admirers of Diana leave flowers, candles, and messages each year. The nearby Flame of Liberty monument has become an unofficial memorial. Any public activity near this location involving members of the British royal family or their spouses often draws heightened attention.
Broader Media Context
Meghan Markle’s actions and appearances are frequently analyzed through the lens of her relationship with the British royal family and the legacy of Princess Diana. Her marriage to Prince Harry has placed her under intense media scrutiny, and her public image often polarizes audiences.
The debate over the Paris limo video reflects how even seemingly casual moments shared on social media can generate intense reactions when connected to historically significant locations. While Meghan has not publicly commented on the backlash, her spokesperson emphasized that her Paris visit was primarily focused on supporting Balenciaga’s new creative direction.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week highlighted her continued presence in global fashion circles, but it was an Instagram video filmed near the Pont de l’Alma tunnel that drew the most attention online.
For some viewers, the video’s location evoked sensitive memories of Princess Diana’s death and was perceived as inappropriate. Others argued that the criticism was disproportionate, pointing out that the route is a major thoroughfare in Paris and there was no explicit reference to the crash site in the clip.
As with many of Meghan Markle’s public appearances, the reaction has been divided. The incident underscores how her actions — whether intentional or not — are often interpreted through complex historical and emotional contexts tied to the British royal family.