Meghan Markle’s awkward kiss with Balenciaga designer goes viral at Paris Fashion Week debut

Meghan Markle made headlines at Paris Fashion Week after sharing an awkward yet endearing moment with Italian designer Pier Paolo Piccioli, the newly appointed creative director of Balenciaga.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, made a surprise appearance at the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear show, marking her first time at Paris Fashion Week and her first European visit since the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany.

While congratulating Piccioli backstage on his collection, Meghan leaned in for a friendly kiss on the cheek — but accidentally bumped noses with the designer, who was wearing sunglasses. The slightly clumsy exchange drew laughs from both, with Piccioli quickly brushing it off, holding Meghan’s hand, and posing for photographers.

A short clip of the moment has since gone viral on TikTok, drawing amused reactions from royal fans and fashion watchers alike. Many praised the Duchess for handling the mishap gracefully and maintaining her poise under the flashing cameras.

According to Meghan’s spokesperson, she has “long admired Pier Paolo Piccioli’s craftsmanship and modern elegance.”

The Duchess appeared radiant in an all-white ensemble featuring a flowing cape layered over a crisp button-down shirt and tailored trousers. She paired the look with sleek black pointed-toe heels and minimal jewellery, finishing with a slicked-back bun,  a style that exuded understated Parisian glamour.

During the star-studded evening, Meghan was seen greeting Vogue’s global editorial director Anna Wintour, who complimented her “amazing” outfit, and sharing a friendly cheek kiss with Moulin Rouge! filmmaker Baz Luhrmann.

Also in attendance were Hollywood star Anne Hathaway, currently filming The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Lauren Sánchez, who recently tied the knot with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Ever the modern royal, Meghan later shared clips on Instagram showing her walk to the venue, followed by a late-night car ride through Paris, offering her 4.2 million followers a glimpse into her fashion-forward evening.

However, Prince Harry was notably absent. A source told the Daily Mail that the couple “always like to make sure that either mum or dad is at home to put the kids to bed.”

Meghan’s glamorous appearance came just days after her husband Prince Harry reignited tensions with Buckingham Palace, accusing “men in grey suits” of interfering in his efforts to reconcile with King Charles.

A royal insider told The Mail on Sunday: “The relationship between the Duke and His Majesty The King is a matter for the two of them and the two of them only. The men in grey suits should stay out of it.”