In these photos, it's clear that Harry and Meghan are the central focus. The images, often in black and white, aim to portray them as timeless and iconic figures, perhaps subtly encouraging the public to associate them with working royals or even U.S. presidents.
During the Salute to Freedom event, Meghan wore a striking red gown by Carolina Herrera, featuring a deep neckline, a pleated skirt, and a thigh-high split. The photos shared by Archewell, the couple's nonprofit organization, were taken by Lee Morgan and primarily showcased Meghan and Harry's dynamic. Unfortunately, the couple's presence at the event seemed to shift the spotlight onto themselves rather than the veterans being honored.
It's worth noting that Jon Bon Jovi was also a patron of the event. He received the 2021 Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, focusing on combating food insecurity and veteran homelessness. Jon and his wife attended the event dressed casually in suits, which contrasted with Meghan's bold choice of attire.
Critics argued that Meghan's red dress was inappropriate for an event honoring war veterans, as such gatherings traditionally have few female attendees. Meghan's decision to attend the event in this manner led some to believe that she was trying to make herself the center of attention, diverting the focus from the event's intended purpose.
Interestingly, Meghan's choice of attire ended up backfiring, as more people were drawn to Jon Bon Jovi's photo gallery featuring him alongside the soldiers. This gallery received five times as many views compared to those interested in Meghan's red dress.
Notably, it appears that only Harry was officially invited to the gala, with their PR agent requesting that he have a brief speaking opportunity to discuss PTSD at the private, non-profit event organized by the Intrepid Foundation. The Intrepid Navy Air and Space Museum, located on the Hudson River and home to the decommissioned USS Intrepid, operates thanks to grants and donations. While some debate the appropriateness of Meghan's attire, it's crucial to recognize that this event was not officially sanctioned by the U.S. military and did not involve the awarding of military medals.
To provide some context, Bon Jovi and Harry collaborated on a single for the Invictus Games called "Unbroken," which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Proceeds from the single support the Invictus Games Foundation, aiding the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured, or sick military personnel. Despite this noble cause, Harry faced criticism for his involvement in the collaboration with Bon Jovi.
