A Red-Carpet Handshake That Wasn't: Harry and Meghan Step Out for David Foster's 40th Anniversary Gala
A moment on a red carpet in Victoria, British Columbia, became the most talked-about scene of an otherwise glittering charity gala — and the explanation, according to those involved, was nothing more dramatic than a missed handshake.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, attended the David Foster Foundation's 40th Anniversary Celebration on August 7, 2026, in Victoria, British Columbia, as guests of honour HELLO! magazine. The foundation, established by the Canadian music producer, raises funds to support families of children needing organ transplants. Harry and Meghan walked the red carpet, where Meghan wore a one-shouldered black gown by Canadian design house Greta Constantine HELLO! magazine.
As the couple lined up for a photograph, Meghan extended her hand toward Foster. He walked past without appearing to notice the gesture HELLO! magazine. Clips of the exchange circulated widely over the following days, with headlines framing it as a snub.
An insider told the Daily Mail, as reported by HELLO! magazine on August 12, that Foster genuinely did not see Meghan and "would never snub the couple" HELLO! magazine. The Daily Mail separately suggested Foster has long been an admirer of Harry's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, framing this as relevant context — though that claim rests on unnamed sources and is not corroborated by the foundation Daily Mail.
Inside the venue, the evening ran on far warmer terms. Harry and Meghan were seated next to Foster and his wife, singer and actress Katharine McPhee HELLO! magazine. The gala featured performances by Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, with Meghan reportedly seen dancing and enjoying the music HELLO! magazine; People.
One detail from the evening drew particular warmth. Meghan told guests that Harry "loves" bagpipes, a fondness the prince has spoken of before and one tied to his royal upbringing HELLO! magazine. The couple met a band of bagpipers and drummers at the event, and Meghan appeared visibly delighted by the encounter People.
A body language expert quoted by the Daily Mail on August 10 described Meghan as shifting "from childlike to confident" while holding onto Harry during the event, though such assessments are interpretive and carried only by that outlet Daily Mail.
The gala came the week after Meghan celebrated her 45th birthday at home in Montecito, California, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet HELLO! magazine. The couple's appearance in Canada was described by multiple outlets as a surprise joint outing, part of a summer that has seen them maintain ties to friends in North America while their public engagements remain selective People.
For all the attention the red-carpet clip drew, the evening's purpose was the foundation's four decades of fundraising for families facing the costs of organ transplant care. The guests of honour stayed seated beside their hosts, and the music played on.
