An awkward moment unfolded on the red carpet in Victoria, Canada, on Friday evening as music mogul David Foster appeared to ignore Meghan Markle during his charity gala.
The 76-year-old 16-time Grammy Award winner hosted the 40th anniversary celebration of the David Foster Foundation, which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended.
However, footage seemed to capture him walking past the duchess without even glancing in her direction as the couple posed for photos.
Meghan, 45, chose a striking black one-shoulder draped gown by Canadian label Greta Constantine for the red carpet occasion. She completed the look with diamond and sapphire earrings from the personal collection of the late Princess Diana.
Prince Harry, 41, complemented his wife's ensemble with a traditional black tuxedo and bow tie.
Video shared online shows the 45-year-old extending her hand towards Mr Foster as he approaches, only for him to walk straight by without any acknowledgement, as Harry stood watching as the moment played out before the cameras.
Mr Foster's spouse, former American Idol star Katharine McPhee, subsequently placed her arm around Meghan as the foursome then stood together for photographs.
The incident quickly sparked debate across social media platforms, with viewers sharply divided over what had actually transpired.
One X user declared: "Tensions on the red carpet! Meghan Markle publicly snubbed by host David Foster. Watch as he refuses to greet her and ignores her reaching hand. Ouch!"
Others took a rather different view, suggesting the duchess had reached her arm out to "help guide him past".
The clip nonetheless generated considerable discussion, with many interpreting the exchange as evidence of friction between the two couples during their shared appearance in Canada.
The duchess later posted a selfie with Harry from what she described as their charity event date night, alongside footage of the pair meeting bagpipe performers at the gala.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
- Duchess of Edinburgh takes on new royal patronage
- Radio station that wrongly announced King Charles had died breached Ofcom rules
- King Charles gives entire field to hat maker after she revealed her struggle to monarch
The video captured the pair strolling through a corridor flanked by the bagpipers as they made their entrance, with Meghan declaring to the musicians: "My husband loves bagpipes!"
As the couple continued past the pipers, she exclaimed: "Oh my god, this is amazing!"
Prince Harry then joined in the fun, quipping to the bagpipers: "Where are mine?" before insisting he was capable of playing both "pipes and drums."
Meghan's video concluded by panning across the printed programme for the gala and concert, offering followers a taste of the evening's proceedings.
The couple's bond with Mr Foster and Mrs McPhee stretches back years.
In 2019, the Canadian music producer arranged accommodation for them at a friend's mansion on Vancouver Island during a particularly turbulent period.
Following the Sussexes' departure from royal duties and relocation to California, the two couples were spotted dining together at Lucky's Steakhouse in Montecito.
The David Foster Foundation was established in 1986 with the aim of offering financial assistance to Canadian families whose children require life-saving organ transplants, whilst also promoting awareness of organ donation across Canada and the United States.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
