Meghan Markle Under Fire Over Paris Clip Shot Near Princess Diana's Crash Site: 'Insensitive Beyond Belief'

Meghan Markle faced backlash after posting a Paris video many deemed insensitive due to its proximity to the site of Princess Diana's fatal crash.

The incident came as the duchess made her Paris Fashion Week debut, attending Balenciaga's show to support her friend and designer Pier Paolo Piccioli.

Dressed in an elegant white Balenciaga ensemble, Meghan Markle showcased her signature fashion style, which left royal fans stunned.

Meghan has come under fire for posting a short video that many believe was insensitive to the memory of Princess Diana.

On Sunday, October 5, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, shared an Instagram Story filmed from inside her car in Paris.

The clip showed passing views of the Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Invalides bridges, before briefly panning down to her feet resting on the seat in front of her.

Social media users quickly noted that the next bridge along the Seine is Pont de l'Alma, which is the site of Princess Diana's fatal car crash in 1997.

Many criticized Meghan for what they saw as a tone-deaf post given the location's tragic history.

"Diana was the Darling of the media - this is a stupid move - it will turn the media against her now - how absolutely awful," one user wrote on X.

Another added: "I honestly do NOT know how to process this. It's not like she got a beautiful shot of the city. There was no reason why she had to post herself in the car at all. How can anyone NOT think this was deliberate?!"

However, others came to Meghan's defense, calling the outrage an overreaction.

"Silly thing to complain about. I'm very much not a Meghan fan, but the girl spends a lot of time in terrible shoes," one person commented. "Let her put her feet up, wherever she is."

Another supporter wrote, "This hysteria around Meghan Markle is ridiculous. Just remember, y'all are grown adults crying about a woman leaving the house. Meghan Markle haters are so pathetic that it's not even funny anymore."

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams also weighed in on the controversy, describing Meghan's video as "utterly bewildering" and "insensitive beyond belief."

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he criticized the decision to share the video, suggesting it showed "a complete absence of thought."

"I don't understand what on earth she was thinking - well, she can't have been thinking. No adviser would ever advise doing something so strange,"

Fitzwilliams said. "She has every right to go to fashion events, but to share a video which had any connections with the tragic death of the Princess of Wales defies belief."

He added that while Meghan likely didn't intend to cause offense, the timing and location were deeply inappropriate and "another example of the Sussexes doing something that makes no sense at all."

The expert explained, "Diana's death is a tragedy that has scarred so much of Harry's life, and I can't imagine he would find this very appropriate. While he's always supportive in public, I suspect he'll be absolutely horrified, and she could hear plenty from him about it."

The controversy follows Meghan's surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, her first trip to Europe since attending the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The As Ever founder attended Balenciaga's runway show, where she was spotted mingling with fashion heavyweights including Vogue editor Anna Wintour, actress Anne Hathaway, and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, whom she greeted with a friendly kiss.

For the occasion, Meghan donned an all-white ensemble featuring wide-leg trousers and a matching blazer, a custom Balenciaga creation designed by her longtime friend and the brand's new creative director, Pier Paolo Piccioli.

She completed the look with black Balenciaga Knife heels, a black suede Balenciaga handbag, and sparkling oval-cut diamond earrings.

A spokesperson for Meghan confirmed that her attendance was to support Paolo.

"She has long admired [Pier Paolo's] craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different," the spokesperson told People Magazine. "This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.

According to the publication, Meghan and Paolo have collaborated on several occasions, often working together on custom designs for significant public appearances.

Although the duchess's recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week marked her debut at the event, Meghan is hardly new to the fashion scene.

Long before joining the royal family, she was a regular attendee at New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks during her "Suits" era, from 2013 to 2015.