Meghan Markle hits red carpet alone at glam Beverly Hills bash – hours after Harry tries to brush off divorce rumours
MEGHAN Markle hit the red carpet alone at a glamorous Beverly Hills bash just hours after Prince Harry tried to brush off divorce rumours - at an event 2,400 miles away.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, dazzled in a strapless black gown and a diamond necklace at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in California.
Meghan's appearance on Wednesday came as she supported her friend Tyler Perry at The Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills.
Meghan and husband Prince Harry, 40, were part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs for the event, though he was not present on the red carpet.
The Duchess attended the event in California alone, while Harry was at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit thousands of miles away.
Speaking during The New York Times' event without Meghan, the King's youngest son addressed the swirling divorce rumours surrounding the pair on social media.
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Laughing off the speculation, Harry said: "Apparently we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times.
"We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it's just like, what?"
He alluded to the numerous unfounded rumours - posted on social media by trolls - regarding his family life.
Addressing why he and Meghan aren't often seen professionally together, which fuels split gossip, the royal quipped to a journalist: "Because you invited me, you should have known," to the crowd's delight, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, in Beverly Hills, Meghan cheered on Perry, 55, as the Paley Center for Media honoured the visionary director, actor and philanthropist with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of his career.
The Suits star wore a pair of black Stuart Weitzman heels and a silver Logan Hollowell necklace, opting for a natural makeup look and a neat up-do.
Perry was also the recipient of the Paley Honors Award at the bash.
Meghan and Harry have a close friendship with the billionaire filmmaker who is the godfather of their three-year-old daughter, Lilibet.
It comes as Harry also said he and wife Meghan Markle have no plans to leave the US anytime soon during his solo trip to New York.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to Montecito in California in summer 2020, just months after stepping down as working royals.
Harry, 40, has made several solo trips back to the UK this year alone - though remains estranged from much of the Firm.
Speaking at the DealBook Summit he said: "I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here."
There are activities he can do with his children that he "undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK", he said, citing concerns about security.
Harry said his focus now is on "being the best husband and the best dad that I can be".
The Duke went on to tell NYT columnist and event founder Andrew Ross Sorkin he opposes a social media ban for children because it could lead to family arguments and bullying by classmates.
Instead, Harry said such companies should be subject to greater transparency and accountability.
He said social media has “already been intentionally created to be addictive” so banning it or removing it, “creates all sort of problems”.
Harry said he doesn't have his own social media accounts to help protect his peace.
"I try to think at these things through the lens as a dad," he said.
"It's not a coincidence that the world has become more volatile and more divided since social media has been around for 20 years," Harry added.
William and Harry send separate messages to award winners
By Ethan Singh
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex are once again offering their congratulations separately to winners of the Diana Award, set up in memory of their mother.
William has written a letter, which was posted on Wednesday, praising the "extraordinary" recipients for their "kindness and compassion", and telling them: "My mother… would be immensely proud of you."
The prince, in his letter on Kensington Palace headed notepaper, describes how the "world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place", and he praises the winners for overcoming barriers to "make positive change".
Harry, meanwhile, has recorded a video message which will be played during the virtual Diana Award ceremony on Thursday.
The duke will speak of how Diana's view of the world still inspires him as he outlines the challenges the world faces including "systemic injustices".
He, like William, will reference the charity's mission of inspiring young people to make "positive change".
Harry will say: "My mother's belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me.
"No matter the challenges we face, whether it's climate change, mental health or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope."
The royal brothers have a long-running rift which worsened in the wake of the allegations Harry levelled at William and the Princess of Wales in his Netflix documentary and Spare autobiography.
Their fractured relationship shows no sign of healing despite the health troubles faced by the royal family in 2024.
The Diana Award said the charity, which is marking 25 years since it was set up in honour of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, "has the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex".
William's letter reads: "Congratulations on receiving The Diana Award!
"I am so proud of the impact every one of you has had on your communities and beyond.
"You are driven by kindness and compassion and through this you are all changing the world for the better.
"In this special 25th anniversary year for the Diana Award, it is wonderful to see young people from across the globe being recognised."
He added: "At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change.
"Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve.
"I know my mother, in whose memory you receive the Diana Award today, would be immensely proud of you.
"I hope this award helps you to further champion your cause and support those around you.
"Thank-you for your dedication. You are all extraordinary."
The letter was signed "William".
The revelation comes after he and Meghan, 43, were rumoured to have snapped up a luxurious property in Alentejo, Portugal.
The couple reportedly plan to set up a base there after being seen in the area last September following the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.
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They currently live in an £11million Montecito mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court.
Harry is also continuing to press ahead with a legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security to ensure his family's safety.