While the United Kingdom observed a solemn weekend of remembrance for fallen soldiers, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were immersed in a world of Hollywood glamour thousands of miles away.
A Weekend of Contrasts
The UK marked Remembrance Sunday with traditional services and ceremonies, honouring those who lost their lives in conflict. This annual event, which Prince Harry would have been expected to attend during his royal duties, saw wreath-laying at Whitehall and nationwide moments of reflection.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Sussexes enjoyed a packed schedule of high-profile events. Their weekend began with the Baby2Baby Gala at the Pacific Design Centre in West Hollywood, where they joined tennis champion Serena Williams. The charity, which provides essential items to children in need across America, raises millions annually through its lavish fundraising events.
Star-Studded Appearances
Meghan, 44, chose a sophisticated black ensemble consisting of a tight long-sleeved top and matching midi-skirt for the charity gala. Prince Harry, 41, wore formal evening attire with a notable addition - a poppy pinned to his tuxedo. The Duchess notably did not wear the remembrance symbol during the public appearances.
The couple posed for photographs with Baby2Baby co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, both recently named among Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024. Following the charity event, the Sussexes immediately proceeded to another high-profile gathering - Kris Jenner's 70th birthday celebration at Jeff Bezos's $165 million Beverly Hills mansion.
Body Language Analysis
UK body language expert Judi James analysed the couple's arrival at the events for the Daily Mail, noting that Harry appeared to be in protective mode. "Harry longed to protect his wife from paparazzi, taking a serious approach, and allowing the attention to be on a 'radiant' Meghan," James explained.
The expert described their dynamic as "more old-school A-list, with a rather serious and focused-looking Harry towing Meghan along like her personal bodyguard." James suggested this positioning reflected Meghan's return to acting, with Harry adopting what she termed "Spare" mode from his memoir.
Meghan's demeanour also drew analysis, with James noting her "coy lack of need to perform for the cameras" through lowered eyes, contrasting with her "smile of utter delight" that acknowledged fans without overt showboating.
Business Ventures and Brand Building
The Sussexes' Hollywood appearances come amid growing speculation about Meghan's business ambitions. Recent Instagram posts showing the Duchess applying lipstick with brand names obscured have industry insiders suggesting she may be preparing to launch her own beauty line.
PR experts point to her growing connection with Emma Grede, the business mastermind behind Kim Kardashian's Skims brand, as significant. Multi-millionaire Grede recently featured Meghan as the "star guest" at her Los Angeles dinner celebrating women "owning their power."
PR guru Chad Teixeira commented: "Meghan Markle's appearance at Emma Grede's Los Angeles dinner series is far too strategic to be a coincidence. The timing is significant and there's growing speculation that Meghan is preparing to launch a fashion line."
The expert noted that the polished, professional imagery surrounding these appearances suggests a carefully orchestrated "soft-launch strategy" typically used when something larger is imminent in the business world.
Meghan's return to acting was confirmed last week with news of her cameo appearance as herself in the new film "Close Personal Friends," alongside Lily Collins, Brie Larson and Jack Quaid. This marks her first acting role since her portrayal of Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits.
As the Sussexes continue to build their life in California, their weekend of glamorous events highlights the significant contrast between their current Hollywood-focused lifestyle and the traditional royal duties they left behind in 2020.
