Meghan Markle appeared to experience an awkward moment with longtime friend of Prince Harry, David Foster, at a charity event in Canada last Friday. A viral clip showed Foster seemingly bypassing Markle as she extended her hand to greet him on the red carpet, before he joined his wife, Katharine McPhee, for a group photo.
Sources close to Foster have offered an explanation for the perceived slight, asserting that it was unintentional. According to these insiders, Foster was focused on greeting Prince Harry and Meghan, whom he considers friends and supporters of his charitable work. They stated that Foster "genuinely just didn't see" Markle on the red carpet due to distractions from his hosting duties, including conducting interviews at the time.
One source emphasized Foster's positive relationship with the couple, noting that he "wanted Harry and Meghan" at the event and would never intentionally slight them, especially given his admiration for Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.
The insiders also indicated that Foster had already greeted Markle and Prince Harry prior to the red carpet photo opportunity, including hugs and introductions to other family members. The incident, they claimed, was a "genuine moment where he didn't see them and nobody really thought much of it."
The event in question was the 40th anniversary of the David Foster Foundation, held in Victoria, British Columbia. The foundation, established by Foster in 1986, provides financial assistance to Canadian families whose children require life-saving organ transplants and aims to raise awareness for organ donation.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly the guests of honor, seated with Foster and McPhee inside the venue. Markle notably wore earrings that belonged to Princess Diana, a detail that has been highlighted in relation to Foster's connection to the late princess.
Markle and Prince Harry have a history of friendship with Foster and McPhee. In 2019, Foster facilitated their stay at a friend's mansion on Vancouver Island. McPhee has also spoken about her long-standing acquaintance with Markle and the close relationship between her husband and Prince Harry.