Harry and Meghan news – live: Sussexes enjoy ‘date night’ ahead of explosive Netflix series
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have joked about enjoying a “date night” while accepting an award at the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award gala on Tuesday night.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who travelled to New York City via private jet from their home in California on Monday, 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”.
For the occasion, Meghan echoed Princess Kate’s Boston look with a custom white off-the-shoulder dress by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton, with Prince Harry joking on stage that he thought the couple were “just going on a date night”.
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
Harry and Meghan accept Ripple of Hope Award for racial justice work
OP-ED: No matter what they do, Harry and Meghan will always be ‘wrong’
15:30 , Kate Ng
Victoria Richards writes that “the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle furore is reaching peak circus”.
In her op-ed, The Independent’s Voices Editor says: “It isn’t Harry and Meghan’s fault. They’re damned if they do... well, anything; and damned if they don’t. It is a game they cannot win.”
Read her thoughts here:
Opinion: No matter what they do, Harry and Meghan will always be wrong
Who is in line for the British throne?
15:00 , Kate Ng
Ahead of the Sussexes’ explosive documentary, Furvah Shah has everything you need to know about the line of succession to the throne:
Who is in line for the British throne?
Royal family to unite at carol concert on day of Harry & Meghan series finale
14:15 , Kate Ng
Senior members of the royal family will come together for the Princess of Wales’s carol concert on the day that Netflix airs the final episode of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s forthcoming docuseries, Harry & Meghan.
Read our report below:
Royal family to unite at carol concert on day of Harry & Meghan series finale
Who is Liz Garbus, director behind Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary?
13:56 , Kate Ng
Liz Garbus, the Oscar-nominated director behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix docuseries, is known for her critically acclaimed exposes and documenting the stories of "survivors".
Raised in New York by a civil rights lawyer father, her career has spanned almost 25 years, covering documentaries, true crime and high-end drama.
Her notable titles include The Farm: Angola, USA; Bobby Fischer Against The World; Love; Marilyn; and The Fourth Estate.
Garbus is also co-founder and co-director of New York City-based documentary film production company, Story Syndicate.
Her films have been nominated for multiple awards, including the 2002 Sundance Film Festival documentary Grand Jury Prize, a Directors Guild Of America award and several Emmys.
She was also twice nominated for the Academy Award for best documentary feature - first in 1999 for Farm: Angola, USA, and more recently in 2016 for What Happened, Miss Simone?, about the troubled life of jazz singer Nina Simone.
Garbus also directed the series four finale of dystopian drama The Handmaid's Tale, in which June, played by Elisabeth Moss, orchestrated the murder of her former abuser, Commander Fred Waterford.
Princess Kate wears tiara and scarlet gown ahead of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary
13:00 , Kate Ng
The Princess of Wales donned a sequinned red evening gown and the Lotus Flower Tiara as the royal family welcomed diplomats to Buckingham Palace while the wait for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix docuseries intensified.
Kate joined the Prince of Wales, the King and the Queen Consort for the first Diplomatic Corps reception in three years as they greeted hundreds of guests at the glittering affair in London on Tuesday evening (6 December).
Read the full report here:
Kate sparkles in scarlet gown and tiara amid wait for Sussexes’ Netflix show
Harry and Meghan talk about bringing down ‘walls of oppression’ at Ripple of Hope Awards
12:35 , Kate Ng
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave a speech at the Ripple of Hope Awards, in which they praised the late Robert F Kennedy.
Prince Harry told the audience as the couple accepted the award: “As we all face a complete and challenging time in the world, we choose the path of optimism of care for each other and our communities.
“We understand this honour, not about the culmination of a life’s work, but instead and in many ways for us, a beginning.”
He added: “Bobby Kennedy said, ‘Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope’.”
Meghan continued: “The enduring dream of Robert F Kennedy of a just and peaceful world is so much more than a simple hope. It’s a direct ask, a specific challenge, a call to action, a test of individual courage and collective spirit.
“And his appeal to humanity is as relevant today as it was in 1966 when he stood before the University of Cape Town, a place we’ve visited and hold close to our hearts. And he delivered a vision for the common good of society.
“He also said those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
When is the Meghan Markle and Harry documentary?
12:30 , Kate Ng
Here’s everything you need to know about when Harry & Meghan comes out on Netflix:
When is the Meghan Markle and Harry Netflix documentary?
12:00 , Chelsea Ritschel
According to Netflix, the “unprecedented and indepth” docuseries will show the “other side” of the couple’s “high-profile love story”.
“Across six episodes, the series explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution,” the description reads. “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.”
Meghan Markle’s TV and film roles, from Deal or No Deal to Suits
11:30 , Kate Ng
Curious about the Duchess of Sussex’s acting career? Here’s a rundown of Markle’s career in TV and film.
Meghan Markle’s TV and film roles
Succession star Brian Cox says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have experienced something ‘clearly traumatic’
11:00 , Kate Ng
Succession star Brian Cox has given his thoughts on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s allegations of racism against the royal family.
Cox was interviewed by Good Morning Britain last night (6 December) at the Ripple of Hope gala, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had received an anti-racism award.
Ellie Harrison reports:
Succession’s Brian Cox says Harry and Meghan have had ‘clearly traumatic’ experience
10:31 , Chelsea Ritschel
The first three episodes of Meghan and Harry’s highly anticipated Netflix docuseries are set to air on 8 December, with the next three-episode instalment to be released on 15 December.
When is the Meghan Markle and Harry Netflix documentary?
Alec Baldwin jokes about becoming Harry and Meghan’s ‘driver’
10:00 , Kate Ng
Alec Baldwin has joked about rethinking his career path and becoming a “driver” for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex instead.
On a more serious note, the actor said he admired Prince Harry and Meghan for their ability to “handle difficult circumstances in the press”.
Read the full report here:
Alec Baldwin praises Harry and Meghan and jokes about becoming their ‘driver’
09:31 , Chelsea Ritschel
For their trip to New York City, the duke and duchess dressed casually, with Meghan opting for a black long-sleeve shirt and dark sunglasses, while Harry chose a white button down, black pants, and a blazer, which he held in his hand.
09:00 , Chelsea Ritschel
As of now, it is not currently clear whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in New York City for the debut of their Netflix documentary, or whether they will have returned home to California by the time the first three episodes are released on 8 December.
The couple arrived in New York City on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala.
Meghan and Prince Harry dodge press questions about Netflix documentary at NY awards ceremony
08:40 , Peony Hirwani
Meghan and Prince Harry reportedly dodged questions about their new Netflix documentary at the 2022 Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala in New York City on Tuesday (6 December) night.
Read more:
Meghan and Harry dodge press questions about Netflix documentary in New York
08:30 , Kate Ng
As for the types of projects the couple will not pursue through their Archewell production company and deals with Netflix and Spotify, the Duchess of Sussex jokingly revealed they have no intention to create a “horror film”.
“I don’t think you’ll ever see us doing a horror film,” she said.
08:00 , Kate Ng
While speaking to Variety, Meghan also revealed the types of projects that she and Harry want to work on, with the duchess revealing that the couple wants to create things “through our love story”.
“So much of how my husband and I see things is through our love story. I think that’s what people around the world connected to, especially with our wedding. People love love. I’m not excluded in that sentiment. And our definition of love is really expansive: Partner love, self-love, the love of community and family. We use that as the baseline of the kind of shows and documentaries we want out there,” she said.
Meghan and Prince Harry dodge press questions about Netflix documentary at NY awards ceremony
07:35 , Kate Ng
Meghan and Prince Harry reportedly dodged questions about their new Netflix documentary at the 2022 Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala in New York City on Tuesday (6 December) night.
According to reporters from The Daily Mail and The Sun, Meghan and Harry “refused” to speak to the media and answer questions about the documentary and the controversy surrounding it.
My colleague Peony Hirwani reports:
Meghan and Harry dodge press questions about Netflix documentary in New York
Harry and Meghan accept Ripple of Hope Award for racial justice work
06:58 , Kate Ng
Prince Harry and Meghan received the Ripple of Hope Award at a gala by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights (RFKHR) organisation on Tuesday night (6 December).
The accolade honours exemplary leaders across government, business, advocacy, and entertainment, and the pair were recognised for their racial justice and mental health work.
During the ceremony the couple announced a new collaboration between their foundation The Archewell Foundation and the RFKHR – the Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film.
Read about the event here:
Harry and Meghan accept Ripple of Hope Award for racial justice work
Prince Harry commended for protecting Meghan under umbrella at New York award ceremony
06:30 , Peony Hirwani
Prince Harry is being praised for protecting Meghan under an umbrella on a rainy day in New York City.
On Tuesday night (6 December), when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were getting off their black SUV to attend the 2022 Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award gala, Harry emerged from the vehicle first to help his wife.
In a clip that has gone viral on Twitter, Harry could be seen protecting Meghan by making sure the umbrella was above her head as she entered the venue.
Read more:
Prince Harry commended for protecting Meghan at New York award ceremony
Meghan wears Princess Diana’s freedom ring during New York award ceremony
06:00 , Peony Hirwani
Meghan Markle wore an aquamarine ring from Princess Diana’s personal collection, which she also wore on her wedding day.
05:31 , Chelsea Ritschel
Meghan, who previously starred on Suits, also noted that it was “interesting” working on the documentary because Prince Harry has “never worked in this industry before”.
“It’s interesting. My husband has never worked in this industry before. For me, having worked on Suits, it’s so amazing to be around so much creative energy and to see how people work together and share their own points of view. That’s been really fun,” she told the outlet.
You can find all the details about the production of the documentary below.
When is the Meghan Markle and Harry Netflix documentary?
04:31 , Chelsea Ritschel
To share their side, the duke and duchess worked with director Liz Garbus.
Of the collaboration, Meghan Markle previously told Variety that it was “nice to be able to trust someone with our story”.
“It’s nice to be able to trust someone with our story - a seasoned director whose work I’ve long admired - even if it means it may not be the way we would have told it. But that’s not why we’re telling it,” Meghan said. “We’re trusting our story to someone else, and that means it will go through their lens.”
03:31 , Chelsea Ritschel
Although some have been criticial of the couple’s decision to share their story in such a public way, others have revealed they are looking forward to hearing more of the duke and duchess’s side.
“Everyone has the right to tell their own story and set the record straight. So I can’t wait to see Meghan and Harry do the same,” one person tweeted.
Another said: “I can’t wait to support Harry and Meghan. I will be cheering and watching!”
02:31 , Chelsea Ritschel
The use of the images and clips was meant to highlight the couple’s points regarding their time as senior royals, with Prince Harry claiming in the trailer that Meghan was caught in a “feeding frenzy”.
“There’s a hierarchy of the family,” he says in the trailer, which was released on 5 December, before adding: “You know, there’s leaking, but there’s also planting of stories.
“The pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution, this feeding frenzy.”
You can find the full trailer for the upcoming docuseries below.
Prince Harry promises ‘the full truth’ in dramatic Netflix trailer
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.
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.”
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.
This photograph used by @Netflix and Harry and Meghan to suggest intrusion by the press is a complete travesty. It was taken from a accredited pool at Archbishop Tutu’s residence in Cape Town. Only 3 people were in the accredited position. H & M agreed the position. I was there. pic.twitter.com/nvjznlloLF
— Robert Jobson (@theroyaleditor) December 5, 2022
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
Harry and Meghan at New York gala
00:34 , Graeme Massie
harry and Meghan arrive at gala in New York
00:31 , Graeme Massie
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.
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.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Ripple of Hope Award gala in New York pic.twitter.com/pqTrfyyjG8
— Fred Dimbleby (@freddimbleby) December 6, 2022
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.
