The death of legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani has prompted a global outpouring of tributes, but it has also triggered renewed controversy surrounding Meghan Markle, as reports circulate that the Duchess of Sussex is seeking a place among the elite guests at his funeral in Rome.
Valentino, who died on Jan. 19 at the age of 93, will be laid to rest Friday at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. The service is expected to draw a rare concentration of fashion leaders and celebrities, including longtime muses such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway and Sarah Jessica Parker, underscoring the designer's enduring influence across decades of haute couture.
Against that backdrop, speculation that Markle is "angling" for an invitation has drawn criticism online and from royal watchers, who argue that the timing risks overshadowing a solemn farewell. According to commentary circulated by Hollywood journalist Rob Shuter, the Duchess is said to be approaching the moment with careful intent. "Meghan wants to pay her respects and be seen honouring a designer she's admired for years," a source told Shuter.
Markle's association with the Valentino label is well documented, despite her absence from the brand's runway shows. She has worn the house's designs at several high-profile appearances, including royal tours and international events, choices that elevated the brand's visibility beyond traditional fashion circles. Another insider framed the strategy bluntly, saying: "Meghan sees this as an opportunity."
The scrutiny has been sharpened by comparisons to Markle's appearance at Paris Fashion Week in October 2025, where she attended a Balenciaga show despite not being formally invited. Pierpaolo Piccioli, then creative director at Balenciaga and formerly of Valentino, later acknowledged her presence, saying: "She reached out and said she'd love to come to the show. There was no strategy or big orchestration."
Piccioli's long tenure at Valentino has fueled speculation that Markle may again rely on personal connections to secure access in Rome. Industry figures note that funerals of designers of Valentino's stature are typically tightly controlled, with invitations reflecting decades-long professional and personal relationships.
Markle's recent fashion-related visibility has also revived debate within royal circles. During her Paris trip, she faced backlash after posting a video filmed near the Pont de l'Alma tunnel, the site of the 1997 crash that killed Princess Diana. Sources later said Prince William was "livid beyond words," a reaction that highlighted lingering sensitivities surrounding public gestures tied to the late princess.
Supporters argue that Markle's interest in Valentino reflects genuine admiration for a designer whose work she has repeatedly chosen for milestone appearances, including the Invictus Games. Critics counter that positioning herself among fashion's inner circle at a funeral risks conflating tribute with self-promotion.
