Despite his wife Meghan Markle's absence due to illness, the Duke of Sussex managed to bring warmth and humor to the star-studded charity event hosted by Kevin Costner.
- Sep 22, 2024
AceShowbiz - Prince Harry took center stage at the One805Live! Fall Charity concert, notably hosted by Hollywood heavyweight Kevin Costner on his scenic beachfront estate in Carpinteria, California. The annual event is dedicated to raising funds for emergency services in Santa Barbara County.
This year, the Duke of Sussex presented an award to helicopter pilot Loren Courtney, acknowledging his incredible service in the field.
Duchess Meghan Markle, who attended the event last year, was absent this time due to reported illness. A source at the event mentioned, "We were all hoping Meghan would attend like she did last year but the word is that she is sick and could not make it."
Prince Harry, dressed in a suit but notably sans socks, took to the stage with his trademark humor. He lightened the atmosphere by joking with Courtney, saying, "As you've probably heard already, 22 years [of] military service over 10,000 hours and rarely sees his family because he's always here flying helicopters."
He added more humor when speaking about Courtney's past rescues, such as a dramatic five-attempt rescue of a skier in the Grand Tetons, quipping, "You didn't have to rescue him again, did you."
Event attendees included a smattering of celebrities like musician Richard Marx, who caught up with Harry backstage - a moment captured in a video shared by Marx's wife on Instagram. Also performing were pop star Pink, as part of the folk music duo You+Me, along with Kenny Loggins, Kevin Costner & Modern West, and Joe Bonamassa.
Harry's appearance came a week after his 40th birthday, which he celebrated with an $8.5 million inheritance arranged by his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Marking a rare moment, social media birthday wishes were publicly extended to Harry, with Prince William and Kate's account posting a heartfelt, albeit unsigned, message.
Though Harry's relationship with the British royal family remains estranged, particularly after his revealing memoir "Spare," the warm wishes symbolize a possible olive branch. The birthday wishes were a notable gesture since it's the first in three years.
Looking ahead, Prince Harry is slated for a busy schedule, traveling to New York for the Diana Award and later to the UK for the WellChild Awards, staying active in causes he remains passionate about despite his departure from senior royal duties.