From commanding stages at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit to making unexpected waves at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan Markle is meticulously charting her path as a formidable businesswoman and undeniable fashion force, all while openly discussing her dedication to achieving a balanced life for her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has recently made a series of high-profile solo appearances, signaling a strategic shift in her public persona. Moving beyond her royal duties and joint ventures with Prince Harry, Meghan has stepped into the spotlight as an independent businesswoman and a burgeoning force in the fashion world. These calculated moves offer a deeper look into her evolving career ambitions and personal priorities.
Commanding the Stage: The Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit
On October 14, 2025, Meghan Markle took center stage at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington D.C., marking a significant solo appearance without Prince Harry. The Duchess, 44, delivered a key talk focused on her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which she launched earlier this year. Her presence at such an esteemed business conference underscores her commitment to building a lasting business empire.
During her conversation with Alyson Shontell, editor-in-chief and chief content officer of Fortune Live Media, Meghan delved into the opportunities and challenges of life as a business founder. She outlined her vision for As Ever, emphasizing its potential for growth and impact. The talk was a clear statement of her entrepreneurial drive and her intent to build a formidable brand in the competitive lifestyle market.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance Amidst a Busy Schedule
One of the most relatable aspects of Meghan’s discussion was her candid take on work-life balance. With multiple ventures including her Netflix series, podcast, and charity work with Prince Harry, she spoke about finding time to be present for her children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
“I want the life-work balance, if such a thing exists. I’m still going to go and chaperone the first-grade field trip and run back and try to finish the meetings,” Meghan told Alyson Shontell, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar. This statement resonated with many, highlighting her dedication to both her professional aspirations and her role as a mother. She revealed a personal anecdote about prioritizing her children, even amidst a whirlwind of international engagements. Following her trip to Paris Fashion Week and work events in New York City with Prince Harry, she made sure to stop in California for a single night to see her kids before heading to Washington D.C., emphasizing, “I need to see my babies.”
A Surprise in Paris: Fashion Week Debut
Prior to her D.C. appearance, Meghan Markle made headlines with a surprise solo appearance at Paris Fashion Week. This marked her first trip to Europe in over two years, outside of the 2023 Invictus Games. Photographers captured her radiant smile as she arrived for the Balenciaga show, showcasing a clean, minimalist ensemble: an oversized white cape layered over a crisp button-down shirt and matching trousers, complemented by sleek black pointed-toe heels and a low bun.
Her solo presence at such a high-profile fashion event was reminiscent of her pre-royal days during her Suits era, when she regularly attended fashion events in New York and Toronto. However, this time, the global attention was significantly amplified, underscoring her evolving role as a public figure and style icon.
Behind the Balenciaga Invite: A ‘Beautiful Surprise’
The Duchess’s attendance at Balenciaga wasn’t orchestrated through formal channels but rather through a personal connection, as revealed by the brand’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli. In an interview with The Cut, Piccioli confirmed that Meghan had reached out to him directly to inquire about attending the show. “Meghan and I met some years ago, and we’ve been texting ever since. She reached out and said she’d love to come to the show,” he stated.
Piccioli described her presence as a “beautiful surprise” and praised her ability to keep her visit secret, adding that there was “no strategy or big orchestration.” This insight offers a glimpse into Meghan’s proactive approach to engaging with industries beyond her established spheres.
Controversy and Fan Reactions from Paris
While her fashion week appearance garnered significant attention for its style, it also sparked several viral moments and debates within fan communities and the wider public:
- The Model Fall Incident: A video circulated showing the Duchess appearing to react with amusement when a model reportedly stumbled on the catwalk. While her spokesman later clarified she was not laughing at the model, the moment drew criticism for seeming out of sync with the stony-faced audience.
- The ‘Zoolander’ Walk: Critics and fans alike noted Meghan’s deliberate, sashaying walk as she exited the Balenciaga show, with some likening it to Ben Stiller’s comedic character, Zoolander. This sparked discussions about her perceived self-consciousness and desire to make an impression.
- The Diana Route Controversy: A clip posted to Meghan’s Instagram story, showing her feet resting on a car seat as she was driven through Paris, drew condemnation. Commentators noted that her route appeared to parallel that of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, on her final evening in 1997. Critics branded the video “insensitive,” though Meghan later released a revised reel omitting the controversial clip.
Despite the mixed reactions, others complimented the Duchess’s elegance and confidence, affirming her enduring style and ability to captivate an audience.
The Evolving Narrative of Meghan Markle
These recent solo appearances at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit and Paris Fashion Week illustrate a carefully crafted, evolving public narrative for Meghan Markle. She is positioning herself not merely as a former royal or a celebrity spouse, but as a serious businesswoman and an influential figure in her own right. Her commitment to her As Ever brand, her focus on entrepreneurial growth, and her confident strides into the high-stakes world of fashion signal a new, assertive chapter.
Moreover, her willingness to publicly discuss the challenges of balancing a demanding career with devoted motherhood offers a relatable dimension to her otherwise glamorous public life. Whether praised or scrutinized, Meghan Markle’s strategic solo ventures demonstrate a clear intent to shape her own destiny and leave a significant mark on the worlds of business, fashion, and philanthropy.
