A waiter at Lee Restaurant disclosed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry unexpectedly joined the Robins' dinner, contradicting reports of a pre-arranged double date.
Meghan's PR team initially reported that the couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary with a double date, dining with Paramount Boss Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy, a designer. The couple was spotted at one of their favorite upscale restaurants in their hometown of Montecito, an upmarket steakhouse where a 28 oz Porterhouse steak costs $1725, and a side of hash browns is priced at $15.
Tracy Robbins, a fashion designer, was among the first recipients of a special gift from Meghan's forthcoming lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Her husband, Brian Robbins, currently serves as the CEO of Paramount Global, a major entertainment company. Meghan and Harry had previously attended the red carpet premiere of "Bob Marley: One Love" in Jamaica with the Robins back in January.
However, a source close to a staff member at the restaurant revealed that Tracy and Brian Robbins had booked a separate table for their dinner. Upon seeing the Robins, Meghan reportedly approached them and requested to join their table. It's unclear whether this encounter was coincidental or deliberate, but Meghan's actions suggested a premeditated plan. A photo captured by paparazzi showed Mr. and Mrs. Robbins on what appeared to be a dinner date with another man, presumably discussing work matters, when Meghan and Harry unexpectedly joined their table.
The seating arrangement raised eyebrows, with Meghan seated next to Tracy, while Harry sat alone at the end of the table, resembling a child in timeout. Observers noted the awkward dynamics, with Meghan dominating the conversation and likely regaling the Robins with stories, including her infamous dish soap tale and her newfound status as a Nigerian princess. Meanwhile, Brian Robbins appeared engaged in conversation with his friend, leaving Harry seemingly out of the loop.
Speculations arose about the purpose of the meeting, with suggestions ranging from business negotiations to attempts to divert attention from recent controversies involving Meghan's comments about her new in-laws and allegations against an acquaintance for money laundering. The PR narrative surrounding the renewal of their Netflix contract seemed like a desperate attempt to maintain relevance. Harry's antics, including Meghan's apparent tracking of the Robins' schedule, added another layer of intrigue to the story.
Despite efforts to create an impression of mutual interest between the Sussexes and Paramount, insiders suggested that the latter likely viewed the encounter with skepticism, if not annoyance. The incident at Lee Restaurant underscored the complexities of celebrity interactions and the challenges of managing public perception in the age of social media scrutiny. Meghan and Harry's unorthodox approach to networking left many questioning their motives and the authenticity of their relationships within the entertainment industry.