Meghan Markle was reportedly snubbed by one of her “good friends” at a high-profile fashion gathering in Paris recently, following last year’s controversial appearance, it has emerged. Pierpaolo Piccioli presented his first haute couture collection for Balenciaga last Wednesday, marking his first year as Creative Director of the fashion house.

Balenciaga’s 55th Haute Couture collection was shown in the gardens of the Cité internationale universitaire in Paris. Guests at the high-profile fashion show included Hollywood stars like Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo, and Naomi Watts. But despite reportedly being “good friends” with the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry’s wife was nowhere to be seen.

Sources claimed the Duchess was not invited to the fashion show, giving a brutal verdict: “Not after what happened last time”.

Meghan famously attended the designer’s Ready-To-Wear fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in October 2025, but her appearance sparked controversy for various reasons, including her behaviour, allegations that she arrived late, and reports that she “invited herself”. She also sparked fury after uploading a video that she filmed close to the late Princess Diana’s car crash site.

Now, American journalist Paula Froelich has shared insight into why Meghan was snubbed from the front row seats at last week’s show.

She wrote on her Substack: “Noticeably, one person was not at the show: his supposed good friend and ‘collaborator’ (according to her), the Duchess of Sussex.”

Ms Froelich revealed: “‘Oh God no, she was not invited,’ My source said. ‘Not after what happened last time.’”

Last year, a spokesperson for the duchess said about her Paris appearance: “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 reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”

However, the designer’s recollection was slightly different, as he told The Cut a while later: “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.”