While Meghan Markle was busy making a splash at a local bookstore with Oprah, discussing lofty aspirations, another event had the glitterati buzzing: the third annual Caring for Women dinner hosted by the Caring Foundation. And guess what? Meghan wasn't on the guest list.
Held at the Pool in Midtown Manhattan, the event epitomized high society glamour. Co-chaired by heavyweights such as Salma Hayek, François-Henri Pinault, Kim Kardashian, Donatella Versace, and Naomi Watts, the evening aimed to support charities dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. The event raised a staggering $3 million—an amount Meghan might have struggled to assemble given her current status.
Gail King, the night’s master of ceremonies, set the tone by comparing the event to the Met Gala for social causes. It’s no wonder stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Viola Davis, Dakota Johnson, and Kerry Washington graced the occasion. The dinner was a definition of star-studded with names that scream high profile and high influence. Yet, where was Meghan Markle? Oh, that's right—while the crème de la crème mingled and raised millions, Meghan was busy trying to make headlines at a bookstore event.
With all the talk about using fashion and high-profile appearances to raise funds, one would think Meghan would have been a shoo-in for an invite. But perhaps the invite got lost in the mail—or maybe it was never sent.
The event was a glittering affair where power players from Hollywood royalty to influential billionaires rubbed shoulders. It raises the question: What does it say when someone like Kim Kardashian, known for her own brand of influence, has more clout in Hollywood than Meghan Markle? It could be a sign that Meghan's star might be dimming.
Say what you will about the Kardashians, but they know how to play the game. They understand the importance of media presence and the need to rebound from missteps—lessons Meghan could certainly benefit from. Speaking of missteps, Oprah Winfrey’s absence was also notable. After her infamous PR blunders, including the Maui fires fiasco, it’s no surprise she’s sticking to smaller, more controlled events. Her presence at this high-profile dinner might have stirred up more controversy than goodwill. And honestly, her current focus on hosting bookstore events speaks volumes about her standing.
But let’s focus on Meghan. The fact that not even a friend like Priyanka Chopra Jonas could secure her an invite to this prestigious event is telling. Meghan and Harry seem to have become social pariahs, struggling to gain entry to elite circles they once thought were their domain. From high-profile galas to local bookstore openings, the stark contrast in Meghan’s event attendance is almost tragicomic.
It seems the Sussexes have failed to ante up when it comes to big-ticket fundraising events. The true A-list crowd understands how these events work—paying thousands for a seat, making substantial donations, and bringing serious clout. Meghan and Harry, on the other hand, seem to prefer showing up as guests rather than making significant contributions. The top-tier crowd has figured them out, and it’s not pretty.
So, while Meghan and Oprah were left out of this glittering soirée, it’s a clear sign that their influence might be waning. The real high rollers of Hollywood are moving on, and it seems Meghan, for all her grand ambitions, might just be stuck in the background, watching from the sidelines as others take center stage.
