Meghan Markle's surprise Paris appearance may signal next move - 'not a casual cameo'

Meghan Markle may have made a significant career move with her recent appearance in Paris. The 44-year-old stepped out in the French capital for the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week.

The former working royal reportedly travelled to Paris to support the newly-appointed Balenciaga designer, Pier Paolo Piccioli. After arriving in Paris on Saturday, she spent one night in the city before reportedly flying back to the US on Sunday. Her latest appearance also marked Meghan's first return to Europe since 2023.

According to the magazine ELLE, Meghan's appearance wasn't just another celebrity "making a casual cameo", it was a "business move by someone building a media and lifestyle empire".

Meghan launched her brand As Ever earlier this year, having had numerous launches of products so far. Alongside being a doting mum to six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet, Meghan has made As Ever her main priority.

Referring to her latest appearance as "no mistake", the publication wrote that Meghan is "systematically positioning herself as a serious player in the luxury lifestyle space".

Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Vogue's global editorial director Anna Wintour and Australian film director Baz Luhrmann last week, Meghan is seemingly "actively cultivating relationships with culture's most influential power players".

Appearances during events such as Fashion Week have been described as "invaluable currency".

During her appearance on Saturday, a spokesperson 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."