Meghan Markle caused a stir when she made an unexpected appearance at the Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week. Her spokesperson revealed that she was there to cheer on her friend, Pierpaolo Piccioli, who had recently been appointed as Balenciaga’s creative director.

“Throughout the years, Meghan has donned many of Pierpaolo’s creations. They have partnered extensively, crafting designs for significant global events,” her representative shared. “She has always admired his artistry and contemporary style, and that evening was a testament to their enduring partnership. Her presence was a nod to their shared journey and his fresh venture at Balenciaga.”

Interestingly, the Italian designer later revealed to The Cut that Meghan had actually contacted him with her interest in attending, saying, “She reached out expressing her desire to be there. There was no elaborate plan or announcement; I wanted her visit to be a delightful surprise.”

The actress, known for her role in Suits, confirmed this narrative in her recent Harper’s Bazaar winter cover story, sparking a buzz among her followers.

Fans troll Meghan following her admission

In her cover story, Meghan admitted to the publication, “I was excited for him (Piccioli). I reached out and I said, ‘Happy to come and support you.’ We kept it a secret, and it was really fun.”

But some on social media have been dragging the duchess and opined that she wouldn’t have said anything of Piccioli didn’t.

“The Paris Fashion Week Self-Invitation Confessional, truly the pinnacle of self-awareness … if self-awareness were dead,” one person posted on X.

A second said, “Markle’s clinging to that royal title like a lifeline, desperate 2 stay relevant,” while a third person wrote, “We all knew … and maybe she invited herself to be on Bazaar front page.”

A fourth person commented, “If Balenciaga’s lead designer had not revealed it, she wouldn’t have admitted it.” And another person agreed that she “had no choice but to admit she invited herself to save face because Pierpaolo outed her.”

Expert weighs in on the duchess’s Harper’s Bazaar shoot

Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.”

Stanton analyzed the photos from Meghan’s shoot and highlighted her “calm, composed presence” in front of the camera.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, he told Showbiz Cheat Sheet that Prince Harry’s wife “appears completely in her element, maintaining a calm, composed presence in front of the camera. Even within the slightly moody tone of the shoot, her enjoyment is unmistakable.

Stanton added, “Her movements are fluid and relaxed, and her eyes stay bright with genuine enthusiasm. The expression on her face conveys unmistakable joy, clearly reflecting someone who is fully engaged and loving the moment. She has finally found her feet. Any signs of vulnerability that were previously there have disappeared. She comes across as very confident and self-assured.”

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.