Real reason for Meghan Markle's first visit to Europe in more than two years

Meghan Markle made her first visit to Europe in more than two years this week to help "warm up" frosty relations with the Royal Family, it is today claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was greeted with kisses by the European style pack as well as former Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour during Paris Fashion Week. Royal experts expressed surprise as Meghan went to France without Prince Harry and any state-funded security protection.

But it is now argued the mum of two's appearance at Paris Fashion Week is actually part of the "Establishment plot" - called "Project Thaw" because it is reportedly designed to "warm up" the Duke’s and Duchess’s frosty relationships with the rest of the Royal Family and with the British people. A friend of the California-based couple said: "This trip is all part of the 'thaw' process."

Speculation grew in the summer about Harry and Meghan's return to The Firm, despite Harry's emotional BBC interview in May during which he said: "I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point."

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But it is understood the picture may have changed for the couple, who are no longer entitled to state security on visits to the UK, and royal insiders believe Meghan's presence at Paris Fashion Week is a sign of this. The friend told the Daily Mail: "Meghan will return to Britain before the year is out," adding jokingly that the former actress will be "bearing humble pie".

In the French capital, Meghan attendedBalenciaga show, reportedly in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of Creative Director for the House. She received praise from Dame Anna, 75, who described the mum'schic all-white ensemble as "beautiful" and "amazing" at the event. This engagement was captured on video, footage since widely shared on social media, again thought to play well into "Project Thaw".

It is said "Project Thaw" aims to melt hostility towards Harry and Meghan, building on the perceived success of the duke’s visit to Britain last month when he carried out charity engagements and, crucially, was invited to Clarence House for tea with King Charles. Afte the first face-to-face meeting between father and son in 19 months, Harry joked he felt more like "an official visitor" to the royal residence.

In the recent interview with The Guardian, the Duke of Sussex said: "The focus really has to be on my dad... I have always loved the UK and I always will love the UK."