Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Interaction at Rare Red Carpet Appearance Sparks Online Discussion

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s brief encounter has shocked royal observers online, with both admirers and detractors analyzing a discussion that many feel revealed flaws in the couple’s well-preserved exterior.

On October 9, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walked the red carpet at the World Mental Health Day Festival presented by Project Healthy Minds in New York. However, it wasn’t their meticulously manicured appearances that ignited the internet. It was what could not be disregarded and what was not done.

They played the part, but everyone was watching to see what would happen next.
Wearing a stylish black suit, white shirt, and dark, patterned tie, Harry made his entrance onto the black carpet. Wearing a stylish pantsuit, a gold necklace glistening at her collar, and her hair pulled back into a ponytail, Meghan matched him in black.

However, things abruptly and awkwardly changed when they were photographed. After a few seconds of posing, Meghan turned to face her husband, but Harry quickly turned away and avoided eye contact.

The Internet Becomes Overloaded
As seen at the end of the films, Harry made a gesture to welcome Phil Schermer, the CEO and founder of the mental health organization.

Meghan was a little behind, but she soon caught up to them. But the comments came pouring in.

One netizen stated plainly, “Uh, she looked at him and he just straight up turned away?” “The look she gave him,” someone else conjectured. She must have irritated him with the Paris stunt.

Some speculated that he rejected her, while others suggested that he didn’t want to hold her hand. He averted his gaze as she gazed at him.

“Why did she hit his arm while he was shaking the man’s hand?” said one fan. She seems to have pushed him out of the way. Another said, “He never once glanced at her! Not even the slightest glance.

Then followed the worst criticism to yet.

She is furious as they all call for Harry. 😂 The best thing is that when she looks at him, he ignores her. He despises her to the core. This relationship is in its final stages and is entirely theatrical. ‘Surviving Meghan’, his candid divorce book, is much anticipated. I’d buy [sic] that now!” someone said.

Despite swirling speculation, supporters laud the couple.
However, some did not believe the event was anything more than a case of bad timing. The couple attending an occasion that was important to them was the sole focus of some internet users.

“Haven’t seen these two king& Queens in a minute they look 👀 nice 🥰 ❤️❤️ [sic],” an admirer exclaimed. “She looks young and fresh,” said another. really lovely, in fact.

One thing is certain: when Harry and Meghan Markle enter the spotlight, everyone is watching and ready to analyze every move. This is true whether the viral moment was the result of a marital blunder or simply the Duke’s distraction.

During Paris Fashion Week, something similar took place. The Duchess of Sussex was present for Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga launch on October 4, 2025, as was previously reported. Additionally, their encounter became a major topic of conversation during the event, even if Meghan may have come to support a friend.

Gorgeous at Her First Fashion Week in Paris
Meghan stood out from the throng because to her dapper all-white Balenciaga ensemble, which included a dramatic cape wrapped over a silk button-down shirt and matching pants, as well as black pointed high heels.

Supporting her designer friend Pierpaolo, who was formally appointed Creative Director in May and took over the position in July, she exuded elegance.

The Instagram statement referred to him as a “master of Haute Couture.” The fashion house also hailed him as someone who would uphold Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy while continuing the brand’s incredible success.

A photo, an embrace, and an incident that almost went too far
Meghan approached Pierpaolo for a photo op and some kind words after the concert, but what transpired next caused a stir among online users.

Meghan and Pierpaolo are seen making an unexpectedly affectionate move with their hands on each other in a 15-second TikTok video that Saint Leon shared.

In accordance with Parisian tradition, they kiss one cheek to greet one another before turning to face one another. However, a small timing error brings their faces shockingly near, almost resulting in an unintentional kiss.

The two exchange a short smile and laugh it off before moving to pose for photographers. Seemingly unconcerned, they embrace once more after the cameras have finished recording. But there was more to it than that.

The Touches That Started a Firestorm and the Whisper in His Ear
In what appeared to be a follow-up video, Meghan was seen leaning in once more while whispering something into Pierpaolo’s ear, as reported by Women’s Wear Daily.

The two stay close, holding each other’s wrists as they continue to talk—a move that many viewers found offensive. Social media erupted as both admirers and detractors analyzed the body language and deduced its meaning.

“That was awkward,” remarked one viewer bluntly. “Omg sooo awkward,” another Instagram user echoed. Some people wrote, “Strange.”

However, the criticism continued after that. Pierpaolo was the target of some critics who accused him of going too far. “He was way too close.” Respect ladies a little. One Instagram user commented, “I can’t, I get so uncomfortable when people get that close to me.”

“He was attempting to approach too closely. Another person remarked, “The lengthy embrace was really inappropriate.” One person said quite frankly on Facebook, “Doesn’t look appropriate to me.”

While some argued over the meeting, others asked, “Where is Harry?”