The pre-Oscar gathering hosted by the esteemed Fashion House St Laurent in 2024 unfurled with unexpected drama, sending the event's anticipation soaring.
The revelation that Robert Downey Jr personally intervened to bar Megan Markle from attending added a layer of intrigue. Allegedly, Downey Jr's decision stemmed from the ongoing rift between Prince William and Princess Katherine of Wales. By aligning himself with the Prince and Princess of Wales, Downey Jr inadvertently thrust himself into the midst of the well-documented tensions within the British royal family.
The rift within the Windsor family has been extensively chronicled, particularly since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from their senior roles. Their subsequent candid interviews shed light on the struggles within the Royal Institution, exacerbating tensions between Prince William and Princess Katherine on one side and Harry and Meghan on the other.
The St Laurent pre-Oscar soiree, an exclusive affair attended by Hollywood luminaries and fashion elites, saw an eclectic crowd including the likes of Zoe Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, Salma Hayek, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr, John Hamm, Samira Wiley, Blackpink's Rosé, and many more. They reveled in a night of entertainment at a private Los Angeles residence in honor of Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer."
Rumors swirled regarding Meghan Markle's exclusion from the guest list, reportedly at Robert Downey Jr's urging. Downey Jr's surprising decision stemmed from his support for Prince William and Katherine, admiring the royal couple's advocacy for mental health. Feeling disillusioned by what he perceived as Meghan and Harry's damaging betrayal of the royal family, Downey Jr felt compelled to take a stand. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have witnessed various Hollywood stars distancing themselves from the couple, opting instead to support the King and Prince William.
Notably, expert Josh Rom has claimed that while the Sussexes are attempting to forge their Hollywood careers, they are experiencing rifts with A-list celebrities who are siding with Harry's father and older brother. Rom highlighted the irony that while the Sussexes strive to maintain relevance in Tinsel Town through ventures like their Netflix and Spotify contracts, it's actually Prince William who attended the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in London, garnering significant support from both the stage and screen.
The BAFTAs, renowned for their star-studded attendance, seemingly served as a date night for numerous nominated stars, including Carrie Mulligan, who attended with her husband, singer Marcus Mumford, and Robert Downey Jr, who accompanied his wife Susan. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan recently launched a new website as part of their Sussex rebranding efforts. Rom couldn't help but point out the irony that William and Charles appear to be garnering more support than the Sussexes, despite their concerted efforts to remain relevant.
In an interview with Sky News Australia following the BAFTAs, Rom remarked, "I find it almost ironic that Prince Harry and Meghan are trying to make it in Hollywood, yet it's the King and Prince William who are receiving more support from the stage and screen." He further noted that while Meghan had some success starring in the hit legal drama "Suits," she only attained global recognition after joining the royal family. Rom hinted at alleged efforts by Meghan and a former press representative to court tabloids to boost her pre-royal career.
The purported clash between Downey Jr and Markle serves as a testament to the underlying tensions within the British royal family and their broader implications. It underscores the deep divisions and allegiances that continue to shape the dynamics within royal circles and beyond.
