Prince Harry’s pal has reportedly said he feels Diana is being used as a “stick to beat his wife” with. The allegation comes after insiders were particularly shocked by Meghan Markle’s Paris visit because the couple have reportedly turned down invitations before to attend events in the French capital, thought to be because of the city’s association with his mother.
Meghan’s posted Instagram video recently went viral of the Duchess of Sessuex stretching her legs out onto a seat in the back of a limo, close to the tunnel where Princess Diana tragically died in 1997. Meghan videoed her view of Paris from a car, shortly after attending a Balenciaga fashion show on October 4. The footage included the Pont de l’Alma bridge, which leads to the Pont de l’Alma tunnel where Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed died in a tragic crash.
Prince Harry has not spoken publicly about the outrage but close sources have reportedly said he is “despondent, but not surprised” by the criticism his wife faced.
As reported in the Mirror, one of the couple’s friends said: “Harry was left hurt and upset. Diana’s death was used as a stick to beat his wife with. [Meghan] did not even pass close to the tunnel.”
They added: “He was left feeling hurt, but the depressing thing is he wasn’t even that surprised. He was more despondent than shocked.”
Meghan was in Paris to support her friend and designer, Pierpaolo Piccioli. He was named creative director of Balenciaga in May 2025.
A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex said: “Over the years, the Duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo. They have worked closely together, collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage. She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different.
“This evening [October 4] reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”
When asked about Meghan’s trip, and her two outfits, the designer said: “Meghan and I met some years ago, and we’ve been texting ever since. She reached out and said she’d love to come to the show.”
He added: “There was no strategy or big orchestration”.