Meghan Markle suffered an awkward moment at Kevin Costner’s star-studded fundraiser in Santa Barbara last week, after wafting on to the stage in full First Lady chic – seemingly ready to make a speech.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, and her husband Prince Harry were introduced onstage as special guests at Kevin Costner’s One805 Live! event at his $26million polo field on Friday evening.
After being given star billing, Meghan spotted the female host who had introduced her coming towards her as she walked on stage and reached out to take her microphone, seemingly assuming that she was expected to say a few words.
However, when the host failed to hand the microphone over, she realised her mistake and swiftly moved stage left to where the Robin Hood actor was standing.
After finding their spot on stage, another emcee seemingly offered the microphone to Prince Harry who appeared to wave it away.
A clip posted on the Santa Barbara Magazine’s Instagram account shows the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arriving onstage at the One805 Live! event on Friday evening and Meghan reaches to take the microphone
After realising she has to present an award, the Duchess turns around and swiftly moves stage left
After recovering from the awkward moment, Meghan presented Kevin with an honorary award – before doing a mini Royal-style walkabout to greet other attendees.
The clip, posted on Santa Barbara Magazine’s Instagram account, shows the royal couple beaming as they walk onstage – while the audience cheered loudly for them.
The Sussexes’ warm reception at the event echoed their success at the Invictus Games in Germany last week, when crowds in Dusseldorf were eager to meet Harry and Meghan while they watched different events at the 2023 tournament.
Mother-of-two Meghan looked stylish as ever in an oversized black-and-white Carolina Herrera coat, paired with Manolo Blahnik Camparimesh 105 pumps. She accessorised with her Cartier watch, a $6,300 Cartier bangle and Tabayer’s Oera rings in yellow gold.
The Duke and Duchess mingled with Hollywood royalty at the star-studded event, including Ellen DeGeneres and Portia Di Rossi, and Oprah Winfrey.
Opening the event, Costner said: ‘Good Afternoon everyone, I get asked a lot by my friends who have no manners … “Kev, what’s this place cost, what’s it worth?” I can just simply tell you on a day like today, it’s worth every penny.
‘We can celebrate people that you’d maybe never meet, the ones who are the first to rush in,’ he added. ‘It’s a place where I’ve had a lot of good luck in my life and I try to not put a wall around it.’
Following their on stage moment, the couple made their way toward the VIP area where they were stopped by pop singer Katy Perry’s parents and posed for a selfie.
Another influential attendee, Oprah Winfrey, gave a talk on stage.
The talk show host – who conducted the Royal couple’s infamous, explosive interview in 2021 – introduced a man named Sam Dudley and his service dog Rhonda in a video which was reposted on One805 Instagram stories.
‘Sam, in addition to all the extraordinary things that One805 does, they have a counseling service where they counsel over 700 responders and this year alone prevented 24 suicided,’ she said. ‘And Sam knows all too well how beneficiary one805 counseling services are.’
Harry and Meghan are surrounded by first responders and Hollywood royalty at Kevin Costner’s estate in Montecito
Meghan opted for a sophisticated, chic look, in a monochrome jacket with her hair pulled back ‘clean-girl’ style
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at a benefit concert for Santa Barbara first responders on Kevin Costner’s estate in Montecito, USA
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were all smiles as they made a surprise appearance at Kevin Costner ‘s ‘One805 Live!’ charity event
As the night unfolded, Harry revealed his dance moves while Meghan engaged in conversation with other attendees.
The couple also walked around the event to greet other distinguished guests and posed for photos.
Maroon 5 headlined the Fall One805LIVE! Festival this year which once again took place on the oceanside estate of Costner.
General admission tickets went for $350, while a table could cost you up to $12,000 for what they refer to as ‘last chance’ tickets.
The event took place in Costner’s 10.25-acre plot of land located down the street from his primary residence – a $145million compound which was at the center of his divorce battle.
One805 described the event as taking place at ‘Kevin and Christine’ Costner’s sprawling estate, despite their recent divorce and dispute over said home.
The couple were joined by their good friend Oprah – the talk show host who conducted the Royal couple’s infamous, explosive interview in 2021
Meghan gives an affectionate hug after handing out an award to Adam McKaig
Meghan chats animatedly with other guests at the fundraiser
Baumgartner, 49, a fashion designer and 68-year-old Costner’s second wife, had cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ in her divorce filing on Monday, May 1 after 18 years of marriage.
Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex put on an extraordinary red carpet-style display of flirting and affection at the Invictus Games in their first official public engagements together since May.
The couple were all loved up earlier this month as they joined crowds of delighted fans to watch Ukraine take on Nigeria in the volleyball competition this afternoon at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Harry embraced his wife in a loving hug and was seen laughing by her side as the pair cheered on the competitors and took selfies with adoring fans. Harry was also so happy to be at the event that he even performed a dad-dance from the stands.
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