Runaway Royals Take New York

The Sussexes switched on their megawatt smiles for their Big Apple charm offensive but, as usual controversy was never far behind

- Nici De Wet

IT HAD all the glitz and glamour of a royal tour: the thronging crowds, the back-to-back events, the smiles, the waves, the eagerness of people to receive them.

Except of course Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. But this hasn’t stopped them from carving acrownless course in their quest to become global entrepreneurs and humanitarians.

And the Sussexes’ recent three-day tour of New York left no doubt in anyone’s minds that they’re big deals in the Big Apple. Everywhere they went people wanted to see them, shouting their names and telling them they loved them.

These were the Sussexes’ first official in-person public engagements since the start of the pandemic. After months of Zoom calls, solo appearances from Harry, that Oprah Winfrey interview and a rather strange Time magazine cover, they hit the road in show-stopping style.

Meghan and Harry wowed and charmed at every turn and were headline speakers at the trip’s main mission – an appearance at the Global Citizen Live concert where they gave an impassioned plea for global vaccine equality.

The 24-hour event, which was live-streamed from Central Park, featured an all-star line-up that included Ed Sheeran, Lizzo and Elton John.

But the Sussexes were the biggest hit. As they walked on stage hand in hand, they were met by cheers from the crowd.

“It is so good to be back here with all of you,” said Meghan, radiant in a white mini dress.

They spoke at length about the importance of access to Covid-19 vaccines.

“My wife and I believe that where you are born should not dictate your ability to survive,” Harry said.