As per the Portuguese media, Meghan and Harry embarked on a whirlwind romantic getaway to the Alentejo region of Portugal after spending a week in Dorking. Lady C discussed this development in a YouTube video, stating, "My understanding is that there were significant tensions between Eugenie and Jack due to Harry and Meghan's behavior. What I was told is that the only family members who are currently in touch with Harry and Meghan are Eugenie and Jack."
While some initially speculated that the visit to Portugal was intended for reconciliation rather than romance, it turned out to be a brief visit. There were even speculations that Harry and Meghan might have traveled to Portugal to seek Jack and Eugenie's assistance in securing an invitation to a prestigious New York City Gala, considering that Jack works for George Clooney. However, this endeavor did not yield the desired outcome, as the Clooneys did not extend an invitation to them.
The Gala in question was the second annual Albi Awards, hosted by Amal and George Clooney as part of the Clooney Foundation for Justice. This Gala aimed to honor courageous defenders of justice and was named in tribute to Justice Alby Sachs, a South African lawyer, activist, and writer known for his commitment to ending apartheid. The event took place at the New York Public Library and featured John Oliver as the Master of Ceremonies, with various awards presented by notable figures such as Matt Damon, Juliana Margulies, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, and Jon Stewart.
Numerous celebrities attended the Gala, including Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost, Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, Donatella Versace, Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman, Heidi Klum, Sophia Vergara, Julianne Moore, and many others. Notably, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were conspicuously absent from this star-studded event.
The absence of the Sussexes from such a high-profile event raised questions about their philanthropic endeavors. Commentator Daniela Elsa criticized them for their inability to make a significant impact despite their efforts. The Archewell Foundation, their philanthropic organization, has struggled to gain substantial traction, and their charity engagements often seem to mimic royal outings, complete with photographers in tow.
Elsa noted that the Sussexes would face a pivotal moment on October 10th when they host the Archewell Foundation Parents Summit on Mental Wellness in a Digital Age. This event could potentially reshape public perceptions of them, particularly after a period of intense scrutiny and self-reflection. It remains to be seen whether they can successfully transition from their royal roles to make a lasting impact in the charity world.
