Meghan Markle shares story behind Balenciaga appearance during Paris Fashion Week

Meghan Markle is revealing the story behind her viral Paris Fashion Week debut at the Balenciaga runway show last month.

The Duchess of Sussex told Harper’s Bazaar in an interview published Wednesday that she went to the show to support her pal and designer Pierpaolo Piccioli.

“I was excited for him,” she said. “I reached out and I said, ‘Happy to come and support you.’ We kept it a secret, and it was really fun.”

Markle, 44, explained how she “love[s] being able” to live a life where she can sit “front row at a show” and “play in the sandbox with [her] kids.”

She added, “I think the moment that you start making all of your personal decisions based on external judgment, then you lose your authenticity.” 

Markle shares Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4 with her husband, Prince Harry.

The “Suits” alum turned heads when she was spotted arriving at the Balenciaga show, wearing a white long-sleeve button-up and matching slacks.

Markle accessorized with a matching cape, black pointy-toed heels and diamond stud earrings.

At the time, her spokesperson revealed that she and Piccioli had “worked closely together” over the years, “collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage,” per People.

The rep added that the actress has “long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance,” saying that her appearance represented a “culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”

Piccioli also gushed over his and Markle’s friendship, telling the Cut that they had “been texting” ever since they met “some years ago.”

The Italian designer referred to Markle’s appearance as a “real,” “rare” and “beautiful” surprise.

In a viral moment, the “With Love, Meghan” host was seen taking in the runway show, at one point bursting into giggles while sitting alongside friend Markus Anderson, who remained expressionless.

Though some speculated she was reacting to a model who tripped on the catwalk, a rep for Markle told the Daily Mail that she was not laughing at the model.

The actress — who tied the knot with Prince Harry in 2018 — had previously attended Toronto Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week during her years on “Suits,” and made her front-row debut at Hervé Léger’s spring 2014 show. 

Her October outing at Paris Fashion Week marked a first for Markle, who recently made a surprising return to acting.

Markle’s winter 2025 cover shoot with the magazine featured her in a number of stunning couture ensembles — including a chic plunging peplum blazer look, a flowing orange gown and a business skirt layered with a smart trench coat.

During her interview, the “As Ever” founder also confessed she gives herself “grace” when navigating potential missteps amid enormous public scrutiny.

“You learn not to do it again,” she told the outlet. “If it all goes swimmingly, you don’t learn from it. If you don’t learn anything, you’re not going to grow.”