The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who currently reside in Montecito, California, have been out of the senior working royal family roles for over three years. Last week, they made a surprise appearance at a charity event held at Kevin Costner's Polo Field in Santa Barbara, known as the "1805 Live."
The gathering featured a star-studded guest list, with the couple mingling with Hollywood elite, including figures like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. However, despite the presence of these notable guests, insiders reported that Meghan and Harry felt somewhat ignored by the celebrities at the event. In an attempt to grab some attention, they positioned themselves near Katy Perry's parents and sought photo opportunities with fellow attendees.
A noteworthy incident occurred when Meghan approached the Franciscan friars, seeking intimate photos with them. In particular, she took pictures alongside Father Larry Gosselin of Santa Barbara Parish. However, the situation took an uncomfortable turn when Meghan attempted to kiss Father Larry's cheek and stood too closely for the photographs.
It's worth noting that Catholic priests, bound by celibacy, do not engage in romantic kissing but limit themselves to friendly or familial kisses. Father Larry had to gently remind Meghan to maintain a respectful distance on both occasions she approached him.
What raised additional eyebrows was Meghan's invitation to Father Larry Gosselin to attend the couple's wedding vow renewal scheduled for next year. Many perceived this as a lapse in respect and an awkward situation.
It's not the first time Meghan has faced controversy related to her behavior. During the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, Meghan was criticized for attempting to kiss a female attendee on the cheek without seeking consent. This attendee had a history of severe past injuries, including assault and harassment, which made Meghan's actions unsettling and uncomfortable.
Furthermore, Meghan's behavior during Kevin Costner's event has attracted online attention. A viral video captured an awkward moment where a woman approached Meghan with a microphone. Meghan, seemingly assuming it was meant for her, reached for it but quickly let go when she realized it wasn't intended for her. Prince Harry can be seen walking behind her during this incident, adding to the awkwardness.
These incidents have added to the pressure on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to produce successful content for their Netflix project, as they have 18 months remaining on their deal with the streaming giant. This comes after they were dropped by Spotify following a lukewarm reception to Meghan's Archie audio podcast.
