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Meghan Markle Appears to Be Snubbed by David Foster on Red Carpet

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Sources: 8

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, appeared to face an awkward moment on the red carpet at a charity gala in Victoria, Canada, on Friday evening. The event was the David Foster Foundation’s milestone 40th anniversary gala, hosted by the 16-time Grammy winner. Footage from the event, which has since gone viral, shows Foster passing by Markle without acknowledging her as the couple stood for photographs. In the clip, Markle appears to reach out to Foster as he approaches. He walks past without greeting her, with Prince Harry watching nearby. Katharine McPhee, Foster’s wife and a former American Idol star, later placed an arm around Markle as the four posed for pictures. Markle wore an elegant black one-shoulder Greta Constantine gown for the occasion. She accessorized with diamond and sapphire earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana. Prince Harry wore a black tuxedo and bow tie. The moment sparked immediate debate online. One X user wrote: “Tensions on the red carpet! Meghan Markle publicly snubbed by host David Foster. Watch as he refuses to greet her and ignores her reaching hand. Ouch!” Other viewers offered a different interpretation, suggesting Markle was simply reaching out to “guide him past.” Despite the speculation, Markle later shared a selfie with Harry from what she called their “charity event date night.” She also posted footage of the couple meeting bagpipe performers at the gala. The video shows them walking down a corridor lined with bagpipers. Markle is heard telling the musicians: “My husband loves bagpipes!” The David Foster Foundation, established in 1986, provides financial support to Canadian families whose children need life-saving organ transplants. It also works to raise awareness about organ donation in Canada and the United States. Foster has not publicly commented on the red-carpet interaction. Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not issued a statement regarding the incident. The gala marked one of the couple’s rare public appearances together in recent months. The viral footage continues to circulate across social media platforms, with users divided over whether the moment was an intentional snub or an innocent misunderstanding.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On August 7, 2026, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attended David Foster Foundation gala in Victoria.
· On August 7, 2026, red-carpet footage captured Meghan extending hand toward David Foster.
· On August 7, 2026, David Foster walked past Meghan without appearing to acknowledge her gesture.
· On August 7, 2026, Katharine McPhee placed arm around Meghan during group photo.
· On August 8, 2026, user Paula Matanovich posted viral video on X (formerly Twitter).
· On August 8, 2026, David Foster hosted free concert at Victoria Inner Harbour.
· On August 8, 2026, gala hosts announced $14.5 million raised at the event.
· On August 8, 2026, Meghan shared Instagram selfie with Harry from charity event.
· On August 9, 2026, multiple news outlets published stories on the apparent snub.
· On August 9, 2026, online debate intensified over interpretation of the video footage
· On August 11, 2026, news coverage continues with no official statements from any party.
· On August 11, 2026, the video remains viral across social media platforms.
· On August 11, 2026, neither Foster nor Sussexes have commented on the interaction.
· On August 11, 2026, body language experts offer conflicting interpretations of the footage.
· On August 11, 2026, some outlets report Meghan accused of copying Kate Middleton's dress.
· No official statement from Foster or Sussexes is expected imminently.
· Social media debate will likely persist without new video evidence.
· The story may fade unless a party issues a public comment.
· Future Sussex public appearances will invite renewed scrutiny of their interactions.
· The gala's $14.5 million fundraising success remains the event's primary achievement.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Viral video sparks US social-media debate over royal celebrity behavior.
Possible long-term US impact: May affect Sussexes' US brand and public perception negatively.
Most affected groups: Royal-watchers, celebrity gossip consumers, and Sussex fan communities online.
What readers should prioritise: Verify video context; no official confirmation of intentional snub exists.