Insiders say Meghan Markle is preparing for “yet another relaunch” in the world of business – in either the fashion or cosmetic industry – despite challenges with her film and television projects
Meghan Markle’s trip to Paris – her first visit to Europe in two years – has been today celebrated as her “first positive PR” in some time.
The tag comes despite uproar around Meghan, 44, using the same route Diana, Princess of Wales was driven moments before her tragic crash in August 1997. The Duchess of Sussex was seen in footage with her feet up on the chair in the car, just moments from the infamous Pont d’Alma tunnel.
It was also claimed Meghan flouted a “blanket ban” Harry had imposed on Paris due to the association with his mum. However, the Duchess told critics she went to Paris Fashion Week because of her huge admiration for Pierpaolo Piccioli, one of the industry’s new kings. Insiders now believe Meghan will exploit contacts in this industry to develop her career in couture, following short-lived ventures in other fields.
An industry expert has said: “Paris was a ‘moment’ for her. It’s the first positive PR she’s had in years. Fashion is where she will aim her focus now.”
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But Meghan, a mother of two, had to ask Balenciaga for an invite to Paris Fashion Week, which ran from Monday September 29 to Tuesday October 7 this year. The former actress has admired the “craftsmanship and modern elegance” of Mr Piccioli, 58, for several years and he became Creative Director of Balenciaga in May.
Since Paris Fashion Week, the Duchess of Sussex has made further high-profile appearances – again solo without Prince Harry – including at a ceremony in Washington DC, where she lectured as a “high-profile business founder”. This is despite a challenging 2025, during which her and Harry’s Netflix contract was not renewed and she appeared to close down an online marketplace.
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Referring to the flurry of engagements recently, one leading PR guru with clients in the US and UK told the Daily Mail: “It’s Meghan 3.0. She’s on manoeuvres and looking for yet another relaunch.”
They also alluded to a clip Meghan posted online, which gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at her whirlwind trip to New York City – again squeezed into the series of functions in October. The footage features racks of designer clothes and shoes, and a cameo from a surprise A-lister during the trip – this time completed with her 41-year-old husband Harry.
Their short trip saw the Sussexes attend multiple events for World Mental Health Day, with Meghan now taking to Instagram to share a highlights reel of the trip.