According to insiders close to musician David Foster, a viral red carpet moment at a charity event in Canada involving the 76-year-old composer and Meghan Markle was an accidental oversight rather than an intentional snub. Footage from the event appeared to show the Duchess of Sussex reaching out her arm toward Foster before he walked past her, but sources close to the host insist he simply did not see her.
Red Carpet Mix-Up Explained by Foster Insiders
According to sources close to David Foster who spoke to the Daily Mail, the composer “genuinely just didn’t see” the Duchess of Sussex on the red carpet. The incident occurred last Friday at Foster’s charity event in Canada, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in attendance. When Meghan extended her arm as Foster approached, the musician walked past her to position himself next to his wife, Katharine McPhee, for a group photograph.
The first source dismissed the perceived slight as entirely insignificant, stating that Foster “wanted Harry and Meghan” at the event and would never deliberately slight either member of the couple. A second source attributed the mix-up to the heavy demands of Foster’s role as the evening’s host, noting that he was actively conducting interviews at that moment. According to the second insider, the couples had already exchanged greetings earlier in the evening, complete with hugs and introductions.
Did you know? David Foster has a long-standing relationship with Prince Harry, with Katharine McPhee previously describing the musician as having a “father and son” bond with the Duke of Sussex.
Deep Ties Between the Sussexes and David Foster
According to historical context provided by sources, Foster belongs to the same generation as King Charles and has long admired Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. The friendship between the couples extends back several years, featuring double dates and significant logistical support following the Sussexes’ step back from senior royal duties in January 2020.
At that time, Foster arranged for Harry, Meghan, a then-seven-month-old Archie, and Doria Ragland to stay at a $14.1 million waterfront property in North Saanich near Vancouver. Foster told the Daily Mail that he felt honoured to help provide a discreet location for respite because he is Canadian and values the Commonwealth connection.
Prince Harry’s UK Tour and Charity Engagement
According to reporting from the Daily Mail, the red carpet appearance preceded a busy weekend for Prince Harry in the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex visited a summer festival run by Scotty’s Little Soldiers—a charity supporting bereaved military children—at Maxstoke Castle in Warwickshire. During the event, Harry participated in goat yoga, navigated an inflatable obstacle course, and was pelted with water bombs by children.
The charity visit occurred a day after a private family reunion. According to the Daily Mail, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took their children, Archie and Lilibet, to a private evening meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove on Friday. The gathering marked the first time the children met their royal grandparents since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did David Foster intentionally ignore Meghan Markle on the red carpet?
No. According to insiders close to David Foster who spoke to the Daily Mail, the composer genuinely did not see the Duchess of Sussex when she extended her arm, and the moment was entirely insignificant.
What is the relationship between David Foster and Prince Harry?
According to sources and public statements by Katharine McPhee, David Foster acts as a father figure to Prince Harry. The families share a long-standing friendship in Montecito, and Foster previously assisted the couple in finding private accommodation in Canada in 2020.
Who did Prince Harry visit during his recent UK trip?
According to the Daily Mail, Prince Harry visited his father, King Charles, and Queen Camilla at Highgrove for a private family dinner alongside Meghan Markle and their children, and later attended a children’s charity festival for Scotty’s Little Soldiers in Warwickshire.
What are your thoughts on recent royal engagements and media reports? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below, subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates, and explore our archives for more in-depth coverage.
Worth a look