Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would spark “epic drama” and a flurry of headlines if they manage to bag themselves an invite to this year’s Met Gala. The royal couple could make their highly-publicised debut at the fashion extravaganza in New York on May 1 – just five days before the historic Coronation of King Charles III in the UK. If they do receive an invite and attend the red carpet event, Harry would become the first member of the Royal Family to ever go to the Met Gala.
Speculation has been growing over recent weeks about whether they will be invited, but a leading celebrity PR expert has poured cold water on claims they won’t go.
Mayah Riaz told The Mirror: “The speculation that Meghan and Harry won’t receive invites to the Met Gala because of the drama surrounding them is quite frankly hilarious.
“When you think of the Met Gala, you think if drama. It’s synonymous with epic drama.
“By having Harry and Meghan at the Met Gala will certainly bring in extra headlines and maybe scrutiny too.”
However, with the Coronation of King Charles III taking place at Westminster Abbey in London less than four days later, she said Meghan and Harry might turn down the chance to attend the Met Gala.
Ms Riaz added: “The Met Gala will be held few days from the King’s Coronation. So it could be that Harry and Meghan may well be in London in preparation for the historic event.
“Which could be the real reason as to why they may not be getting the invite to the Met Gala.”
She added: “With the couple refusing the invite, it’ll be the Met Gala getting the snub rather than the other way around.”
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Mr James highlighted it remains to be seen whether the Sussexes attend the Met Gala in a few weeks, and many believing they will be keen to show up given the event’s prestige.
He noted: “Attending these occasions can help boost their [Meghan and Harry] public perception in America.”
But the PR expert predicts the couple will not want to attract that level of attention so near to the Coronation of King Charles III a few days later.
“I believe that even if the couple does receive an invite, they aren’t likely to attend as they will undoubtedly face scrutiny, no matter how hard they may try to minimise fallout – especially with how close this event is to the Royal Coronation,” said Mr James.
Furthermore, he also believes Harry and Meghan’s absence from a string of glitzy events over the last few months may suggest a shift in strategy.
The PR expert added: “While the couple isn’t always known for laying low, I think we are beginning to see a shift in how they want to be presented – whether this is truly by choice though we may never know.”
