Meghan Markle insider's furious response to backlash over video near Diana crash site

Meghan Markle has come in for heavy criticism for posting a video from her short trip to the French capital for Paris Fashion Week, in which she drove close to the site where Princess Diana was killed in a car crash.

And now a source close to the Duchess of Sussex has hit back at the backlash, saying it was “insensitive” to link the video to her late mother-in-law. Meghan posted the video on Saturday after attending a Balenciaga fashion show, in which she had her feet up on the car seat and then showed off the nearby sights. Many noted these included the Pont Alexandre III and the Pont des Invalides bridges, which are on the iconic River Seine.

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From the clip, it seems she was heading towards the Pont d'Alma bridge, which is next to the Pont d'Alma tunnel where Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed and their driver Henri Paul died in car crash August 1997.

Some royal fans and commentators alike were outraged by the video, with some online calling the clip “thoughtless” and “bewilderingly tasteless”. One even called the short video "insensitive beyond belief".

But responding to reports about the Instagram story, a Sussex source told Newsweek : "They have chosen, at a complete stretch I might add, to draw the most tenuous, tenuous link between an Instagram post and the death of Harry's mother. That for me is the insensitive bit." The source also told Newsweek that Meghan did not know the underpass was nearby.

Meghan Markle caused a stir after making a dramatic appearance at Paris Fashion Week on a surprise trip to the French capital. The visit marked Meghan’s first trip to mainland Europe in three years, with Prince Harry nowhere to be seen.

Meghan travelled to Paris on Saturday, where she attended the Balenciaga show for their Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear design showcase, as she dressed head-to-toe in the iconic luxury brand.

Many asked why Meghan appeared at this particular show during the event, and it appears she is friends with the fashion designer Pierpaolo Piccioli - Balenciaga's new creative director - who wore his designs when he previously worked at Valentino.

A spokesman for the duchess said: "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show in Paris on Saturday night in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of creative director for the house."

“This marks her first time back to the shows in over a decade. 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.” The Mirror has reached out to Meghan’s representatives for comment.