Meghan's Paris Visit: Coincidence or Calculated Drama?
Meghan's Tone-Deaf Parisian Adventure: A Calculated Bid for Attention?
In a move that has left royal watchers and ordinary folk alike scratching their heads, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, embarked on her first solo European trip as a member of the British royal family. And what better destination to make a splash than the City of Light, Paris, where the Princess of Wales, Diana, tragically met her untimely demise in 1997?
It's not just a coincidence that Meghan chose to visit Paris on this particular journey. The timing is too suspicious, and the optics are as dodgy as they get. The Duchess made sure to post a series of Instagram stories showcasing her luxurious getaway, including a hauntingly familiar video of her limousine ride along the Seine – a route eerily parallel to the one Diana took on that fateful night.
Why did Meghan select the Hotel Plaza Athenee, just a stone's throw from the Pont de l'Alma tunnel where Diana's car crashed? Was it mere happenstance or a deliberate attempt to invoke an echo of her mother-in-law, the Princess Diana? Insiders close to the royal family are left wondering if the Duchess was trying to establish herself as the new Diana, in some twisted bid for attention and adoration.
The Palace might claim that Meghan's trip was purely a coincidence, but we all know how this game is played. The 4.5 million Instagram followers who tuned in to her Parisian escapades were treated to a series of cringe-worthy moments, including the Duchess posing with her feet up on the limousine seat – an uncanny resemblance to Diana's last journey.
The reaction from fans and critics alike has been swift and scathing. "Quiet contemplation" is not exactly what Meghan had in mind when she posted that video, is it? The backlash has been relentless, with thousands condemning her antics online. One wag quipped, "It's like she thinks she's the new Diana – without the charisma, compassion, or tragedy."
Even royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the controversy, calling Meghan's visit "utterly bewildering, beyond stupid and insensitive beyond belief." When questioned about his comments, he elaborated, "I don't understand what on earth she was thinking – well, she couldn't have been thinking – to share a video that had any connections with the tragic death of the Princess of Wales defies all logic."
But what about Prince Harry? Where was he during this PR disaster? Did his wife consult him before embarking on her Parisian adventure? Or did he simply shrug and say, "Carry on, dear"? Sources close to the couple suggest that Meghan made the solo trip without consulting her husband – a move that raises eyebrows even further.
In his bestselling memoir, Spare, Harry candidly shared how his mother's death tormented him. He revealed that he asked his driver to take him through the tunnel, past the very spot where Diana's car crashed, at the same speed she was traveling when she met her untimely end. Given this sensitive history, would Harry really have encouraged or condoned Meghan's Instagram post?
Royal insiders speculate that Prince Harry might be increasingly detached from his wife's online antics, and perhaps even questioning her motives behind certain public appearances. "He's always been the voice of reason in their relationship," says one Palace source. "It's no secret that they've had disagreements about how to handle their royal duties – now it seems like Meghan is calling the shots."
Meanwhile, Meghan was too busy schmoozing with designer Pierpaolo Piccioli and nibbling prawns at an exclusive Parisian restaurant to show any genuine concern for the legacy of her mother-in-law. When asked why she chose to honor "bestie" Pierpaolo, rather than pay respects to Diana's memory, Meghan gave a lukewarm response.
As we scrutinize this scandalous episode in Meghan's reign as Duchess, one thing becomes crystal clear: this wasn't just about fashion or friendship – it was all about calculated attention-seeking and self-promotion.