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Harry and Meghan news: Meghan echoes Kate’s Boston look at NYC awards ahead of bombshell Netflix documentary

Meghan Markle echoed Kate’s Boston look as she and Harry attended the 2022 Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala in New York on Tuesday night.

According to Vogue, Meghan Markle chose a custom white off-the-shoulder dress by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton.

The fashion magazine says it is the first time that Meghan has worn the French label at a high-profile public event. Meghan also wore an aquamarine ring from Princess Diana’s personal collection, which she also wore on her wedding day.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who travelled via private jet from their home in California, were seen arriving in the city on Monday ahead of the awards.

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They were honoured at the Manhattan gala alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and late NBA star Bill Russell for their work “to protect and advance equity, justice, and human rights”.

The royal couple’s trip comes just days before the first instalment of their highly anticipated Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan will be released, with the first three episodes to be released on Thursday 8 December. Three additional episodes will be released on Thursday 15 December.

Follow along with the latest updates about Meghan and Harry’s trip to New York City below.

Key Points

  • Prince Harry and Meghan make first red carpet appearance following release of Netflix documentary trailer

  • Princess of Wales shines in tiara at Buckingham Palace event

  • Award given to couple for “moral courage” they have displayed against injustice.

  • Meghan wears off shoulder dress by Louis Vuitton

  • Alec Baldwin praises Harry and Meghan for handling press attention

Meghan wears off shoulder dress by Louis Vuitton

02:01 , Graeme Massie

According to Vogue, Meghan Markle chose a custom white off-the-shoulder dress by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. The fashion magazine says it is the first time that Meghan has worn the French label at a high-profile public event. Meghan also wore an aquamarine ring from Princess Diana’s personal collection, which she also wore on her wedding day.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Alec Baldwin praises Harry and Meghan for handling of press focus

01:44 , Graeme Massie

“I was kind of shocked for them to come here and do this,” the actor said at the Ripple of Hope gala blue carpet.

“To handle difficult circumstances in the press without having too much difficulty. There’s always going to be certain difficulties.”

Baldwin joked that he might become “their driver” and lauded them for having “chosen a different path.”

“They’re newly arrived in the states. They haven’t been here that long. I think it’s great that they have agreed to support this cause which we’ve supported for years.”

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

01:31 , Chelsea Ritschel

The trailer also included a shot of Meghan and Harry photographed from above during their visit to Archbishop Tutu’s residence in Cape Town.

However, after the release of the trailer, Robert Jobson, the royal editor of the Evening Standard, claimed that the photo was not taken without the couple’s consent.

“This photograph used by Netflix and Harry and Meghan to suggest intrusion by the press is a complete travesty,” he wrote on Twitter.

Meghan and Harry arrive at Ripple Of Hope Awards in New York

00:44 , Graeme Massie

Celebrities join Harry and Meghan at New York gala

00:36 , Graeme Massie

 (Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)
(Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)
 (Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)
(Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)

Harry and Meghan at New York gala

00:34 , Graeme Massie

 (Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)
(Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)
 (Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)
(Getty Images for 2022 Robert F.)

harry and Meghan arrive at gala in New York

00:31 , Graeme Massie

 (Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock)
(Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock)
 (Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock)
(Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock)

00:31 , Chelsea Ritschel

The duke and duchess have also faced criticism over the trailer for their upcoming Netflix documentary, after fans noticed that many of the photos used appeared to be taken at events where Harry and Meghan were not present.

One photo used in the trailer appeared to have been taken in 2011, during a Harry Potter premiere, while another clip included in the trailer, which is meant to depict paparazzi surrounding the couple, appears to have been taken when Katie Price arrived at court in December, according to the BBC.

Prince Harry and Meghan make first red carpet appearance following release of Netflix documentary trailer

00:27 , Graeme Massie

The Duke and Duchess will be honoured at the gala for their “unwavering commitment to social change.”

Amber Raiken has the story.

Harry and Meghan appear on red carpet at gala in NYC

Princess of Wales shines in tiara at Buckingham Palace event

00:18 , Graeme Massie

While Harry and Meghan are in New York, Kate donned the Lotus Flower tiara and a red lace Jenny Packham dress at the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in London.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Harry and Meghan arrive at awards ceremony in New York

00:10 , Graeme Massie

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are star guests at the Ripple of Hope Award gala in New York where they will receive an award for their ‘heroic’ stance against ‘structural racism’ in the royal family.

00:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

The couple’s mode of transportation sparked criticism from royal fans, with many questioning why the couple did not fly commercial, especially considering the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Boston last week on a British Airways plane.

“I thought they were supposed to be net zero by 2030? Hypocrites,” one person tweeted after the couple’s arrival.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 23:31 , Chelsea Ritschel

You can follow along with the red carpet at the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Awards as it happens below.

Live: Harry and Meghan walk red carpet for Ripple of Hope Award Gala in NYC

Tuesday 6 December 2022 23:31 , Chelsea Ritschel

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have found themselves embroiled in a controversy of their own ahead of tonight’s awards, after they arrived in New York City via private jet on Monday.

The trip marked the second time in a week that Meghan has travelled by private plane.

Meghan Markle takes second private jet in a week to collect award with Prince Harry

Tuesday 6 December 2022 23:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

While Meghan and Harry have not commented on the timing of their Netflix documentary, the couple may use tonight’s  Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala to make a statement.

The cocktail hour for the event will begin at 6pm, while dinner will follow after at 7pm, according to the website.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 22:31 , Chelsea Ritschel

As for how the royal family feels about the couple’s upcoming documentary, it is currently unknown. However, some have suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attempted to take attention away from the Prince and Princess of Wales with the timing of the release of the first trailer, as it came as William and Kate touched down in Boston last week.

“The fact that @netflix dropped this Harry and Meghan documentary trailer when Catherine and William are visiting the US in Boston… oof,” one person wrote. “Seems like the timing was intentional. @NetflixUK likely makes those decisions but still, oof.”

Harry and Meghan divide fans with ‘petty’ timing of Netflix docuseries trailer

Tuesday 6 December 2022 22:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

Following the exchange involving Lady Hussey, who happens to be one of Prince William’s godmothers, a spokesperson for the Prince of Wales said racism “has no place in our society”.

William says racism has no place in society as aide quits over palace race scandal

Tuesday 6 December 2022 21:31 , Chelsea Ritschel

In light of the incident, which saw Lady Hussey resign from her role as a royal aide following the incident, some royal fans noted the previous connection between the member of royal staff and Meghan Markle.

According to Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors, Lady Hussey was reportedly directed by Buckingham Palace to help the Duchess of Sussex settle into royal life prior to her wedding to Prince Harry.

In the book, Bower also alleges that the royal aide had her doubts about the couple’s relationship, with the royal author claiming Lady Hussey once said the royal marriage would “end in tears”.

Royal aide embroiled in race row ‘said Harry and Meghan marriage would end in tears’

Tuesday 6 December 2022 21:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

The timing of the award for the couple’s stand against “structural racisim” is also fitting considering it comes after the royal family found itself embroiled in a racism row.

Last week, as the Prince and Princess of Wales travelled to Boston for the Earthshot Prize, the attention was on the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey, who made “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” to Ngozi Fulani, a Black advocate for survivors of domestic abuse.

What did Lady Hussey say to Ngozi Fulani in royal race row?

Tuesday 6 December 2022 20:30 , Chelsea Ritschel

Although the timing of the couple’s award is fitting considering the themes they are expected to explore in their Netflix documentary, Elle notes that the trip was scheduled before Netflix revealed the dates the docuseries would be released.

You can find everything to know about the couple’s Netflix documentary below.

When is the Meghan Markle and Harry Netflix documentary?

Tuesday 6 December 2022 20:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

“They knew that if they did this there would be consequences, that they would be ostracised, they would lose their family, their position within this structure, and that people would blame them for it. They have done it anyway because they believed they couldn’t live with themselves if they didn’t question this authority. I think they have been heroic in taking this step,” Kerry, the daughter of Robert F Kennedy, continued.

Tonight’s award ceremony, which will be hosted by Alec Baldwin, will see the couple accept the award alongside recipients such as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 19:39 , Chelsea Ritschel

According to Kerry Kennedy, the royal couple was chosen for the award in part because of their attempts to address “structural racism” within the British monarchy.

“They went to the oldest institution in UK history and told them what they were doing wrong, that they couldn’t have structural racism within the institution; that they could not maintain a misunderstanding about mental health,” Kennedy told Spanish news site El Confidencial‘s Vanitatis magazine.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 19:25 , Chelsea Ritschel

It is not clear whether the couple, who are tonight accepting the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award, will address the upcoming documentary during their time in New York City.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 19:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

As for what viewers can expect of the six-part series, Netflix states that the project will explore “the clandestine days” of the couple’s early courtship and “the  challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution”.

“With commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the royal family’s relationship with the press, the series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other,” the description adds.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 18:45 , Chelsea Ritschel

The documentary’s upcoming release comes despite October reports that Netflix had delayed the release after backlash over the timing of season five of The Crown, which aired shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The couple is also reported to have edited their Netflix documentary following the monarch’s death, in an effort to make it “kinder to the royal family”.

Sussexes to edit their Netflix show to make it ‘kinder to royal family’

Tuesday 6 December 2022 18:20 , Chelsea Ritschel

The documentary is also expected to see the couple criticise the “hierarchy” of the royal family, and potentially expand on accusations they made during their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

“You know, there’s leaking, but there’s also planting of stories,” Harry says in the trailer, before reflecting on his mother Princess Diana’s experience marrying into the royal family. “The pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution, this feeding frenzy.”

“I realised, ‘they’re never going to protect you,’” Meghan adds.

Prince Harry promises ‘the full truth’ in dramatic Netflix trailer

Tuesday 6 December 2022 18:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

The trailer promises the couple will delve into the reasons for their 2020 departure from the royal family in the Netflix docuseries, while offering insight into the “other side of their high-profile love story”.

However, the trailer has faced scrutiny since its release after photos included in the promo were identified as being taken at events where Harry and Meghan were not in attendance, such as a 2011 Harry Potter premiere.

Paparazzi photo used in Harry and Meghan trailer ‘taken at Harry Potter premiere’

Tuesday 6 December 2022 17:41 , Chelsea Ritschel

The couple’s arrival in New York City marks their first public appearance since the full trailer for their upcoming documentary was released.

The duke and duchess are also expected to make a red carpet appearance on Tuesday evening ahead of the gala.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 17:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

The upcoming documentary is expected to air in two parts, with the first three episodes released on 8 November. The final three episodes will then be released on 15 November.

You can find out everything you need to know about the upcoming documentary below.

When is the Meghan Markle and Harry Netflix documentary?

Tuesday 6 December 2022 16:50 , Chelsea Ritschel

The award coincides with the upcoming release of the couple’s highly anticipated Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, in which the duke and duchess are expected to open up about their experiences as senior members of the royal family before their decision to step down and relocate to California.

In a trailer shared on Monday, ahead of the release of the first volume of episodes on 8 December, Prince Harry notes that there’s a “hierarchy of the family” and suggests that stories were “planted” against Meghan during their time as senior royals.

You can find out everything about the trailer below.

Prince Harry promises ‘the full truth’ in dramatic Netflix trailer

Tuesday 6 December 2022 16:30 , Chelsea Ritschel

According to Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F Kennedy, the duke and duchess were chosen to receive the prestigious prize because of the “moral courage” they have displayed against injustice.

Kerry discussed the decision to honour the couple during an interview with Spanish news site El Confidencial‘s Vanitatis magazine, where she acknowledged her own father’s work highlighting the importance of “racial justice”.

“When my father went to South Africa in 1966, he spoke in front of a white audience and said that the problem in this generation is talking about racial justice. He also spoke of moral courage, saying that few would have the courage to question their colleagues, family and their community about the power structure they maintained,” Kerry said. “And this is what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have done.”

Tuesday 6 December 2022 16:25 , Chelsea Ritschel

The criticism also comes after Meghan relied on a private plane last week, when she boarded a plane in Indianapolis after appearing at a female empowerment event in the city.

However, sources have told The Independent the duke and duchess travelled on a plane that was already going from California to New York for Tuesday’s event.

You can read more about the couple’s reliance on private planes below.

Meghan Markle takes second private jet in a week to collect award with Prince Harry

Tuesday 6 December 2022 16:23 , Chelsea Ritschel

Others have questioned the couple’s use of a private jet in light of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ decision to fly commerical to Boston last week.

William and Kate photographed flying commercial to Boston for climate ceremony

Tuesday 6 December 2022 16:14 , Chelsea Ritschel

The couple’s arrival in New York City ahead of the gala has not been without controversy, however, as many have criticised the duke and duchess for travelling via a private jet.

“Hmm... private jet again... clearly setting us all a good example,” one person tweeted, while another said: “No care for the environment.”

Among those criticising Harry and Meghan was Piers Morgan, who described the circumstances of the couple’s arrival as “beyond parody”.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 15:57 , Chelsea Ritschel

The annual award ceremony honours “exemplary leaders across government, business, advocacy, and entertainment who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social change and worked to protect and advance equity, justice, and human rights,” according to its website.

This year’s laureates, which include the duke and duchess, as well as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, Brian Moynihan, chief executive officer of Bank of America, and late NBA icon Bill Russell, have “prioritised equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in the workplace and the world”.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 15:52 , Chelsea Ritschel

The couple’s arrival in New York City comes ahead of the 2022 Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala on Tuesday 6 December, where the duke and duchess will be honoured alongside other “exemplary leaders”.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 15:50 , Chelsea Ritschel

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in New York City via private jet on Monday. For the trip, the couple dressed casually, with paparazzi photos showing Meghan wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and dark sunglasses, while Harry opted for a white button down, black pants and a blazer, which he held in his hands.