Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pleasantly surprised their fans on Friday when they made a public appearance at Kevin Costner’s ‘One805 Live!’ charity event for first responders. They appeared alongside well-known celebrities, Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres. This charitable gathering took place at Kevin’s impressive $26 million polo field in Santa Barbara.
Meghan appeared stunning during the surprise appearance, wearing an exceptionally elegant Carolina Herrera tweed cape in a sophisticated charcoal grey shade. The Duchess of Sussex matched this garment with black straight-leg trousers and styled her dark hair into a sleek low bun.
Meghan’s makeup was flawless, featuring fluttery false eyelashes, a warm bronzer, and subtle maroon lipstick. She accessorized her outfit with a collection of stylish gold jewelry pieces, including bold gold hoop earrings and a slim square-faced watch.
Following their introduction on stage, Meghan and Harry bestowed an honorary award upon Kevin. The couple also had the opportunity to engage in conversations with Katy Perry’s parents and interacted with other attendees.
This outing came after Meghan and Harry’s eventful week at the Invictus Games, which culminated in a spectacular closing ceremony the previous Saturday. The affectionate pair was seen enjoying themselves in the front row of the audience, dancing the night away while watching musical artists Sam Ryder and Rita Ora perform.
Prince Harry established the games in 2014, and last week, he and Meghan enthusiastically participated in the competition held in Dusseldorf, Germany. You can find a summary of the thrilling tournament in our coverage here.
Throughout the week, Meghan showcased remarkable fashion choices, culminating in her wearing a stunning Cult Gaia strapless gown at the end of the event. This elevated emerald green dress, known as the ‘Raylene’ by the brand, elegantly highlighted Meghan’s flawless figure. She completed her look with nude pointed-toe heels and maintained her sleek low bun hairstyle from Thursday. Meghan’s makeup for the memorable evening accentuated her natural beauty with a smoky eye, long lashes, and a sun-kissed bronzer.
In addition to the energetic musical performances, Prince Harry also took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech. His emotional words included a touching reference to the moment he met Master Corporal James Gendron.
“I couldn’t help but hope they’d be played!” Prince Harry began, alluding to his fondness for bagpipes. He continued, visibly moved, as he gazed at James in the audience, “Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting Master Corporal James Gendron from the Canadian team in the Invictus 2025 tent,” he shared with the arena.
During our conversation, I happened to spot bagpipes resting in the distant corner of the room. Some of you might be aware of the significance bagpipes hold for me, so I couldn’t help but hope that they would be played!
Little did I realize that, just half an hour later, it would be James who picked them up and volunteered to play. However, at that point, I had no knowledge of what bagpipes meant to him or the memories they invoked. In Afghanistan, he played the bagpipes during 63 ramp ceremonies, one for each of the 63 caskets and the 63 souls they represented, as well as the 63 grieving families.
For four years following that final ceremony, he couldn’t bear to touch the bagpipes. This week, he was uncertain whether he could muster the strength to play them again. But he did. What had once haunted him – if I may say it – might now be what brings him solace and healing. I extend my gratitude to you, James, for your dedicated service, your bravery, and for sharing your remarkable talent with us.
