Harry and Meghan Accused of Copying William and Kate in Latest Outing: 'So Cringe'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opted for a courtside twist for their Valentine's Day celebrations, trading roses and candles for some basketball. On February 15, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the NBA All-Star Game, seated beside legendary rapper Queen Latifah. While the couple appeared smitten as usual, some royal watchers questioned their public outing, arguing it clashed with their desire for privacy. A viral clip of the pair smiling and waving to cameras further fueled their theory, sparking chatter online.
For two people who whine constantly about how the media has made their lives miserable, look how they light up with happiness when they see the camera 😉 pic.twitter.com/isJ9ee8BaL
— HarrysGreySuit (@hrrysgreysuit) February 16, 2026
The clip, shared on X (formerly Twitter), showed Harry and Markle in coordinated monochrome outfits, focused on the game. As the camera panned toward them, Markle gently rubbed Harry's arm to draw his attention, and the pair smiled, waved, and said hi. For the relaxed outing, the Duchess wore a navy sweater with matching flared trousers and softly styled layers, while the Duke looked dapper in black jeans and a black button-down shirt. Their appearance followed a recent dinner date at Funke in Beverly Hills, one of their favorite Italian spots. Since moving to California, they have regularly been spotted at major sporting events.
As Harry and Markle's cozy video made the rounds online, royal fans pointed out their apparent hypocrisy. A netizen argued, "In my head. I'm hearing the quote, 'The media made my wife miserable.'…She's in it for the press, and the media look at her face. She loves the camera." In a similar vein, another questioned, "I'm so confused. Are they or are they not victims of too much media attention?!" Meanwhile, a royal watcher quipped, "Look, it's the press making Harry's wife miserable yet again." As the comments poured in, a critic sneered, "Like he didn't know the camera was right there...that arm rub reminder!" A comment also read, "The arm rub is so cringe…"
While many focused on the awkward arm rub, others felt the couple was trying to imitate Prince William and Kate Middleton's appearances at such matches. A person penned, "You know why they're there, don't you? William and Catherine have been to NBA games when they've visited the US." Similarly, another stressed, "Trying to copy William and Catherine's at the basketball game a couple years ago… It is puzzling how they 'hate' the media so much."
During Harry and Markle's low-key outing, a sweet moment between them also caught the attention of royal watchers. Lip reader Nicola Hickling analyzed footage from the event, telling the Royal Insider that Harry appeared to tell his wife, "I can't explain it, there are so many rules." Markle, who laughed, reportedly replied, "Explain it to me, I really don't understand the game." The Duke allegedly replied, "I know that… I can't always explain it over and over again."