Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have found themselves navigating a unique path, devoid of the benefit of the doubt, both within the confines of the royal realm and amidst the glitzy world of Hollywood. While they have closed the door to the royal family by themselves, it seems their new home is not so welcoming, either. The Californian royals were finally rising above their Spotify debacle when they encountered perhaps their most awkward public outing yet.

A massive event boasting of appearances from Kevin Costner to Oprah Winfrey has brought the Sussexes’ resurgence to a halt. And to make matters worse, the couple might have paid for their own downfall.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were invited but not welcomed at One805 Live

The lack of stage time, avoidance of eye contact, and the snubbing of the mic from Meghan Markle not once but twice have made it clear that Kevin Costner’s charity event was not the most inviting for the Sussexes. This led royal expert, Tom Bower, to claim on Dan Wootton Tonight that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid $12,000 to attend the One805 Live! He further emphasizes that their payment secured the Duchess a chance to speak on stage.

While it is true that the event’s frigid conditions posed a challenge for Markle despite her best coats, it is unlikely that the Duke and Duchess had to buy an invitation, particularly given that Kevin Costner, a long-standing friend of Prince Harry’s late mother, Diana Spencer, hosted the event.

This is not the first time that speculation regarding whether the Sussexes’ invites are genuine at public events has risen. But there is a very legitimate reason behind the speculations.

Why are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex not accepted by Hollywood?

Meghan Markle dropped an arguably bright future as an actress to support her husband as a senior royal when she married him. It has been almost half a decade since then, but neither Meghan Markle nor Prince Harry have solidified their positions in the royal realm or in Hollywood. While a royal route seems out of the question now, with the lack of activities on the Hollywood front, their prominence in the industry is at stake.

Their lack of activity on the public front since their royal resignation is the reason netizens and Hollywood are not keen on giving them the benefit of the doubt. This is why their attendance at award shows raises eyebrows, while people eagerly anticipate Kate Middleton and Prince William’s annual appearances at award shows like the BAFTA. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Hollywood portfolio is still a work in progress.

What do you think about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s appearance at the charity event? Let us know in the comments below.