Just to sit with Meghan, Harry, guests at award ceremony have to pay $1million
$1 Million to Dine with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Ripple of Hope Gala
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to attend the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York City this December — but for those hoping to share a table with the couple, the cost is reportedly as high as $1 million.
According to Express UK, the gala, which celebrates leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to social justice and human rights, has placed a premium on seats at the main table where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be seated. Guests who wish to sit with the couple may be required to pay up to £840,000 (approximately $1 million USD), making it one of the most exclusive and expensive seating arrangements at a public charity event in recent memory.
A Controversial Honor
The Sussexes are being honored with the Ripple of Hope Award, which recognizes their public stance against racism within the British royal family. The award comes in the wake of their explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they alleged that a senior royal had expressed concerns about the skin color of their unborn child, Archie.
The interview sent shockwaves across the globe and triggered intense scrutiny of the British monarchy. While the identity of the royal in question was never publicly confirmed, the allegation raised longstanding concerns about race, inclusion, and tradition within the institution. Prince William later responded to the claims, saying, “We are very much not a racist family.”
Kerry Kennedy, the niece of John F. Kennedy and president of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, praised Harry and Meghan for their courage.
“They went to the oldest institution in UK history and told them what they were doing wrong — that they couldn’t maintain structural racism within the institution and that mental health concerns must be taken seriously,” Kennedy said.
Criticism and Skepticism
Despite the prestigious recognition, the high ticket price — particularly the million-dollar main table fee — has sparked criticism, especially among royal commentators.
Royal biographer Angela Levin told TalkTV that the Sussexes appear to be “getting too big for their ambitions.” Levin remarked, “I hope they’re getting too big for their ambitions and it will all go pop. I think we’ve all had enough, really.”
She further criticized what she described as the couple’s increasing detachment from reality, adding, “They see the pile of lies getting higher and higher and the arrogance about them.”
TalkTV presenter Mike Graham also weighed in, noting, “If you wish to go and sit with them at the Ripple of Hope gala in New York on December 6, it will only cost $1 million.”
Glamour Meets Advocacy
The Ripple of Hope Award Gala is known for attracting high-profile guests and honoring prominent figures who advocate for social change. Past recipients have included former U.S. President Barack Obama, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This year, the inclusion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continues the gala’s tradition of honoring those who take bold, often controversial stances. However, the mix of Hollywood glamour, philanthropic intention, and royal drama ensures the event will be as headline-grabbing as it is cause-driven.
Critics argue that associating a million-dollar ticket with a charity event meant to promote justice and equality may send conflicting messages about accessibility and sincerity. Others, however, view it as a continuation of the couple’s growing influence in global humanitarian conversations — particularly in the United States, where they have recast themselves as advocates for mental health, racial equity, and youth empowerment.
A High-Stakes Spotlight
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have remained at the center of international attention. Their Netflix projects, podcast ventures, and public advocacy have garnered both praise and backlash.
Their appearance at the Ripple of Hope gala comes at a critical time as they continue to navigate their identity as public figures separate from the monarchy. The award may serve as a powerful endorsement of their activism — but it also raises questions about image, privilege, and whether their message is being diluted by the very elitism they have tried to challenge.
As the December gala approaches, all eyes will be on New York, not only to see who pays $1 million for a seat next to the Sussexes, but also to assess whether this moment marks a triumph in their independent journey — or another flashpoint in their increasingly polarizing narrative.
