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Céline Dion Kicks Prince Harry Out of NHL Draft: A Shocking Incident
In a surprising twist at the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, renowned singer Céline Dion reportedly ordered security to remove Prince Harry from the event held at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
This incident, which unfolded on June 28, has sparked significant controversy, especially given Dion's reputation as a gracious public figure.
Dion, who is 56 and celebrated for her powerful vocals, was present to announce the Montreal Canadiens' fifth-round draft pick.
Sporting a stunning white V-neck dress and accompanied by her eldest son, René-Charles Angélil, she embraced her role as the Canadiens' number one fan with pride.
As she took the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, clearly excited to see her.
With a charismatic presence, Dion greeted team heads with warm handshakes and cheek kisses.
She approached the microphone with a blend of excitement and humor, even quipping, “I'm excited, I'm not even a hockey mum!”
before revealing the Canadiens' pick, Iain Demida from Russia.
However, the celebratory atmosphere took an unexpected turn when Prince Harry's uninvited presence disrupted the proceedings.
Harry, who has often been in the spotlight, attended the draft out of personal interest in hockey and a desire to connect with the sporting community.
Unfortunately, his arrival did not sit well with Dion, who reportedly perceived it as an intrusion.
Eyewitnesses noted a sudden change in her demeanor as she spotted Harry mingling among the attendees.
Witnesses observed Dion exchanging hurried words with security personnel, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
Shortly thereafter, security approached Prince Harry and asked him to leave the venue.
The situation escalated quickly, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.
Details surrounding the exchange between Harry and the security team remain murky, but reports suggest that he was visibly surprised by the demand to exit.
Sources close to the prince indicated he attempted to explain his presence, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
As security escorted him out, mixed reactions rippled through the audience.
Some attendees expressed shock and disapproval of Dion's actions, feeling they were unwarranted.
Others, however, believed she was justified in maintaining the event's exclusivity and decorum.
The incident soon became a trending topic across social media platforms and news outlets, with many criticizing Dion for her seemingly harsh treatment of the prince.
Critics pointed out that Dion's behavior was unbecoming of someone known for her grace and kindness.
They argued that Harry's uninvited attendance did not merit such a drastic response.
Supporters of the prince took to social media to voice their outrage, labeling Dion's actions as disrespectful and unnecessary.
In light of the backlash, representatives for Céline Dion released a statement defending her decision.
They emphasized that her primary concern was preserving the integrity of the event and ensuring the comfort of invited guests.
The statement clarified that Dion was unaware of Harry's attendance prior to the event and deemed it inappropriate for an uninvited guest, regardless of stature, to overshadow the occasion.
Dion's long-standing support for the Montreal Canadiens was highlighted in the statement, reiterating that her actions stemmed from a desire to maintain the event's decorum.
While she respects Prince Harry and acknowledges his contributions, she felt that his unarranged presence was not in line with the event's protocols.