Meghan Markle was reportedly less concerned by Prince Harry attending the NBA Finals alone than by where he was seated during the high-profile event. According to gossip columnist Rob Shuter, the Duchess of Sussex was unimpressed after Harry was spotted sitting several rows back rather than courtside at Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Seating Arrangement Sparks Frustration
The Duke of Sussex attended the game as the New York Knicks took on the San Antonio Spurs in Texas, but was seated in the eighth row rather than amongst the celebrity guests closest to the court. A source told Shuter's Naughty But Nice Substack: "Meghan notices everything when it comes to image. To her, seating is status. It's not just about watching a game — it's about who sees you watching the game."
Status Concerns
The insider claimed Meghan viewed the seating plan as a reflection of status, particularly when other high-profile figures were positioned courtside. While celebrities including Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller were seated closer to the action, the source alleged Meghan felt Harry should have been afforded similar treatment.
The source claimed: "Meghan believes Harry is one of the most recognizable men in the world. When he's sitting behind celebrities instead of beside them, she sees it as a message. Meghan knows Prince William and Princess Kate would have been offered front-row treatment."
Harry's Perspective
However, a separate source claimed Harry was far less concerned about where he was sitting and instead simply enjoyed the occasion. "Harry loved the game and barely gave the seating a second thought," the insider told Shuter. "That's the difference between them. He sees a basketball game. Meghan sees a brand."
The source added: "Image is everything to Meghan. She believes every appearance sends a message. In her world, where you sit matters almost as much as who's playing."
