Elton John's annual Academy Awards viewing party unfolded glamorously on March 10th at West Hollywood Park in California, accompanied by his husband David Furnish, along with a star-studded guest list including Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka.
As the night progressed, the stage lit up with performances by Gabriel and the dance floor was graced by numerous celebrities, among them Heidi Klum, Elizabeth Hurley, Zoe Saldana, and Jonathan Scott.
While attendees indulged in dinner and participated in an auction to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation, they also tuned in to watch Jimmy Kimmel host the 96th Oscars from the nearby Dolby Theater. This dual celebration not only highlighted Hollywood's glitz but also raised nearly $1 million for the foundation's crucial efforts in combating the AIDS epidemic.
Interestingly, notable absentees from the soirée were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who, despite their royal status, did not receive an invitation. This exclusion marks a departure from Meghan's past experiences where she might have expected to be lavished with invitations and red carpet treatment. The snub underscores the reality that even as royals, they must pay their dues to partake in certain elite circles.
Furthermore, recent events suggest strained relations between the Sussexes and certain celebrities. Reports indicate that Harry and Meghan's request to borrow Elton's private jet for a trip to Austin, Texas, was denied, despite their prior arrangement for a complimentary flight. Similarly, Serena Williams declined their request for her jet to attend the Invictus Games, opting instead for a rendezvous with Kim Kardashian in Paris. Such rejections hint at the challenges faced by the couple in navigating their post-royal lives.
It's evident that the allure of Hollywood's social scene has not fully embraced Harry and Meghan, despite their aspirations to become power players in the industry. Their absence from pivotal events during the awards season, renowned for its networking opportunities, raises questions about their strategic positioning. Elton John's straightforward approach in not extending an invitation to them reflects his unwillingness to accommodate any potential disruptions or drama.
In the fiercely competitive world of show business, connections forged at events like Elton John's viewing party can be instrumental in shaping careers and influence. Harry and Meghan's exclusion underscores the delicate balance between status and acceptance in the realm of Hollywood's elite. Ultimately, it seems that their tumultuous history and perceived liabilities may have overshadowed their royal pedigree in the eyes of some industry insiders.
