Meghan Markle branded 'needy and clingy' after charity concert moment with Harry sparks online debate

Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry at Kevin Costner's One805LIVE! charity concert in Santa Barbara on Saturday, appearing to grab his jacket and wrap her arms around him during his stage-hosting moment as he presented the Heart of Community Award. The event, held at Costner's oceanside estate, is an annual fundraiser for Santa Barbara County's first responders' equipment and mental wellness programs, and it drew a mix of celebrities, first responders and donors.

The couple spent time greeting first responders and law enforcement officers before Harry took the stage to address the crowd, and Oprah Winfrey was among the attendees. Performers at the event included Trisha Yearwood, Good Charlotte and The Fray, and the gathering featured conversations with first responders as well as law enforcement personnel.

Reaction on social media was swift and divided. Some royal fans labeled Meghan's display as needy and clingy, posting criticisms that she clung to her husband on stage. Others defended the duchess, arguing that the couple's affection appeared genuine and appropriate for the moment.

Meghan's fashion drew as much attention as the moment. She wore a midnight blue Caroline Herrera collared halterneck dress with tortoiseshell buttons and a waist-cinching sash. Her accessories included a £631 two-tone brown clutch from Hunting Season New York and £390 suede Ralph Lauren heels in a matching shade. Her hair featured a side part and more defined curls, and she wore a £5,000 Cartier Love bangle alongside Princess Diana's £17,800 Cartier Tank watch.

Context and background: The outing comes weeks after Harry spent 50 minutes with King Charles in London for the first face-to-face meeting in 18 months. Reports have circulated that high-level discussions are underway to gradually bring Charles and Harry together in public, a sign some observers say would reflect a thaw in the brothers' relationship, though no official confirmation has been given. The last time the pair appeared publicly at an official engagement was in April 2019 at the Our Planet premiere in London. Since Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, they have appeared publicly only at certain family events such as state funerals.

Separately, Meghan celebrated Harry's return to Montecito by promoting her rosé on Instagram. In a post on the As Ever page, she shared a shot of two glasses being poured from the wine, praising the product and noting its availability for followers.