Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a notable appearance at the Pasadena Convention Center, participating in a charity event to assist wildfire survivors.
While their attendance was expected to attract significant attention, the spotlight shifted dramatically—and unexpectedly—onto California Governor Gavin Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The couple, often referred to as "royalty," seemed poised to dominate the narrative, but that wasn't the case.
Fox LA's anchor, Susan Hirasuna, barely acknowledged Meghan and Harry during her coverage. Hirasuna referred to Meghan as "Princess Markle" in a seemingly dismissive manner and suggested she was mingling with "commoners."
Adding to the apparent snub, Meghan was conspicuously cropped out of most camera shots, relegating her to a peripheral presence at the event. Meanwhile, Jennifer Siebel Newsom emerged as the centerpiece of the story, exuding grace and commitment as she actively participated in the relief efforts. Donning gloves and visibly engaged, Jennifer appeared deeply invested in the community, a stark contrast to Meghan, who critics likened to someone auditioning for a dramatized role about royal misfortune.
Meghan, with her mask and uncovered hair occasionally grazing the food, drew criticism for her approach. Prince Harry, on the other hand, seemed to drift through the event with no clear role, sparking online commentary about his apparent lack of direction or purpose. Observers described his demeanor as aimless, further amplifying the perception that the Sussexes' presence was more for optics than genuine assistance.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, however, captivated attendees with her eloquence and authentic dedication. Speaking on themes of community resilience and unity, she solidified her role as a true leader. Meghan's strategy to align herself with Jennifer for potential photo opportunities seemed transparent, but it failed spectacularly. Jennifer's focused demeanor and natural charisma ensured the event's narrative centered on her efforts, leaving Meghan sidelined.
Fox LA leaned into the unfolding drama with evident subtlety. The station's camera angles and coverage choices excluded Meghan from significant moments, a move interpreted by many as deliberate. Social media users were quick to notice, with many praising Jennifer as the real star of the event while criticizing Meghan for what they saw as opportunistic behavior. Even Harry was not spared, with some questioning his contribution to the charity efforts and others suggesting the couple should reconsider their public relations approach.
The event underscored a few key takeaways. Jennifer Siebel Newsom's poise and hands-on involvement cemented her status as a community leader. Meghan and Harry, on the other hand, faced renewed scrutiny over their public appearances, with calls for them to adopt a more thoughtful and genuine approach to their philanthropic efforts. As the internet buzzed with commentary, one thing became clear: live events are unpredictable, and public perception can shift in an instant. For the Sussexes, this particular outing served as a reminder that actions—and authenticity—speak louder than titles or appearances.
