Meghan Markle’s Whopping Fee for Paris Fashion Week Is the Highest for any Guest
Meghan Markle turned heads at Paris Fashion Week with a surprise appearance, cementing her status as a global fashion icon. The Duchess of Sussex made her debut on October 4 to support Balenciaga’s new creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli. Following her appearance, many speculated whether she attended the coveted event to rub shoulders with top designers or simply to earn a bit of extra cash. Commenting on the same, a source has now claimed that Markle reportedly commanded a seven-figure fee to attend the event, confirming the rumors.
The insider spoke to columnist Rob Shuter, who shared on his Substack that Markle's debut "wasn’t an invite — it was a transaction." The source explained, "Balenciaga wanted global attention, and Meghan delivered." They added that she had allegedly asked for a seven-figure fee, complete with "private jet, five-star suite, glam squad — all part of the agreement." Her team reportedly treated the event like ‘a movie premiere.’ As to why Piccioli invited the Duchess, the source spilled that he did so only to build a more refined brand image. A stylist shared, "She’s modern royalty, and brands will pay for that aura."
While Markle’s rep insisted that she was there to ‘support a friend,’ insider accounts reveal that she was the highest-paid guest at the event. Chiming in on the same, a source joked, "She’s not walking the runway, but she’s still the most expensive ticket in Paris." Meanwhile, her rep stated, "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. This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga."
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Interestingly, many have also alleged that her visit to Paris was a smart way for her and Prince Harry to edge their way back to Europe. According to a Palace insider, Markle’s solo return 'changes everything.' They told the Daily Beast, "If they [Sussexes] really plan to spend more time here, it puts them back in the frame, and that’s not what anyone expected." Known for using fashion to express her identity, she reportedly found Paris to be the ideal stage to reassert herself as a fashion icon, and not a forgotten royal.
Markle’s appearance in Paris also made headlines for her gross missteps. First, it was her video, which showed her with her feet up while driving past the Pont de l'Alma tunnel, the same bridge where Princess Diana tragically lost her life. Second, it was her behavior at the fashion show, which captured her allegedly laughing at a model when she tripped. Commenting on her appearance, royal expert Charlotte Griffins told the Daily Mail, "She did seem a little bit out of place in Paris, if I'm going to be honest...At one point, she sat in the front row, and a model tripped. She burst out laughing…She did seem quite poised, but she did seem a little bit nervous there."