Prince Harry’s eighth-row seat at the NBA Finals, while other celebrities watched courtside, is an embarrassment for Meghan Markle and has shown a gap between the pair’s values, a royal expert has claimed.
Prince Harry attended the highly anticipated game on Saturday, but while he was focussed on the action on the court, many observers were confused about why he was watching from the eighth row.
A royal expert has claimed Meghan Markle was displeased with the apparent snub, suggesting the former actress views seating arrangements as a reflection of status.
British columnist Rob Shuter wrote on his Substack that status carries significant weight for the Duchess of Sussex, and Harry’s seating threatens her standing as an important public figure.
“To her, seating is status. It’s not just about watching a game – it’s about who sees you watching the game,” Shuter said.
“Meghan believes Harry is one of the most recognisable 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.”
He said a royal insider told him the frustration reflects the conflicting values between the Duke and Duchess, as Prince Harry was merely there to enjoy the game, while Meghan sees his presence as meaning much more.
“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.
“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.”
Reports have also suggested Meghan has long been wary of the impact Harry’s tarnished image has on her business ventures.
Some royal experts claim she wanted him to keep a low profile as royal controversies ramped up earlier this year.
“I’m sure she’s telling him, ‘keep your head down, don’t get involved, the royal family is in a crisis, don’t drag us into this’,” journalist Duncan Larcombe told RadarOnline earlier this year.
Shuter has also claimed that the As Ever brand CEO believes she is “more powerful” on her own and may have better financial success without her estranged royal husband.
“Meghan has now decided that, my sources are telling me, she now believes that she is more powerful,” Shuter said.
“She’s going to make more money by stepping forward by herself, not with him.”