At the event, the Duchess of Sussex’s affectionate display toward her husband drew mixed reactions online, with some branding the royal as “clingy.”
The couple’s appearance came weeks after Prince Harry’s 50-minute meeting with King Charles, their first in 18 months, sparking hopes of reconciliation.
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Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Criticized For PDA at Star-Studded Charity Festival
Meghan and Harry shocked many when they made a joint appearance at One805LIVE! Festival in Santa Barbara on Saturday, an event hosted by Hollywood star Kevin Costner, and attended by numerous celebrities.
Harry took the stage to present the Heart of Community Award, while Meghan stayed close, holding onto his jacket and wrapping her arms around him.
The affectionate moment drew attention online with royal fans labelling Meghan as “needy and clingy.”
One X user commented, “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are so codependent on each other it’s vomit-inducing. Will the sun crash into the Earth if they’re not touching every millisecond?”
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Another said, “I don’t know how Harry stands it! She literally hangs off him all the time.”
Others defended the Duchess, saying, “There is nothing wrong with Meghan. Their intimacy and love for each other are clear to see. Nothing needy and clingy about that.”
Despite the reactions, the couple appeared happy and relaxed, mingling with guests, including Oprah Winfrey, at Costner’s oceanside estate.
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Meghan Markle Dazzles In Caroline Herrera At Charity Concert Supporting First Responders
For the event, Meghan turned heads in a chic midnight blue Caroline Herrera halterneck dress, featuring a collared neckline, tortoiseshell buttons, and a waist-cinching sash.
The As Ever founder accessorized with a two-tone brown clutch from Hunting Season New York and suede Ralph Lauren heels in a matching hue. She also switched up her usual center-parted waves for a side part and more defined, voluminous curls.
Adding a touch of personal significance, Meghan wore her Cartier Love bangle, a piece she’s owned since at least 2017, alongside her late mother-in-law Princess Diana’s gold Cartier Tank watch.
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The event itself is an “annual benefit concert, bringing together legendary artists and passionate supporters to raise funds for essential equipment and mental wellness programs for Santa Barbara County’s first responders.”
Performances included artists such as Trisha Yearwood, Good Charlotte, and The Fray.
Prince Harry And King Charles Reunite After 18 Months, Sparking Hopes Of Royal Reconciliation
Harry and Meghan’s latest appearance comes just weeks after Harry met with his father, King Charles, for their first face-to-face meeting in 18 months.
The 50-minute meeting at Clarence House reportedly marked the beginning of high-level talks about gradually bringing father and son together in a public display of unity for the first time in at least six years.
The last time the father and son appeared together at an official engagement was in April 2019, at the “Our Planet” global premiere held at London’s Natural History Museum.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry has only been photographed with other family members at the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.
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The Meeting Between The King And The Duke Was Labeled A ‘Good Starting Point’
Royal observers suggest that a joint public appearance with Charles would represent a significant thaw in their relationship.
Experts also claim it could signal the reintegration of the Sussexes and their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, into royal life.
“It shows the way forward,” one royal insider with ties to both camps told People Magazine of the September 10 meeting at Clarence House.
“It is a good starting point.” Meanwhile, another source told Us Weekly the meeting was “super positive,” describing it as “very relaxed” and “very emotional.”
Prince Harry Reportedly Rules Out Return To Royal Duties, Focuses On Rebuilding Ties With King Charles
Following the Clarence House reunion, some Royal watchers speculated that Harry might be pushing for a partial return to official duties for himself and Meghan.
However, People reports that the prince “is not seeking a change to the arrangement over any royal work” and “hasn’t asked his father for it.”
According to The Times, the stance is mutual. Charles has no plans to revisit the late Queen Elizabeth’s decision, which made clear there could be no “half-in, half-out” roles within the monarchy.
“The King has been absolutely clear in upholding his late mother’s decision that there can be no ‘half-in, half-out’ public role for members of the family,” a source told the outlet.