The News
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Celebrate Anniversary with a Side of Business
In a surprising twist to their sixth wedding anniversary, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opted for a dinner date that was anything but traditional.
Instead of an intimate evening just for the two of them, they were spotted dining at the Lucky Steakhouse in Montecito, California, alongside Hollywood executives Brian Robbins and his wife, Tracy.
This choice of venue is particularly intriguing given that Harry has been rumored to be a vegetarian, yet he chose a steakhouse where prices can soar as high as £1,225 for a single steak.
The Sussexes' dinner was quite the lavish affair, with appetizers ranging from £26 to £40 and steak options that included a 10-ounce New York strip for £63 and a hefty 20-ounce bone-in rib chop priced at £125.
It's hard to ignore the possibility that this extravagant meal may have been expensed under the pretense of a work-related outing with Robbins, the CEO of Paramount Pictures.
When most couples celebrate their anniversaries, they typically exchange gifts, share heartfelt moments, or perhaps enjoy a cozy dinner at home reminiscing about their wedding day.
Significant milestones like a silver or ruby anniversary often call for larger celebrations with friends and family.
However, Harry and Meghan's decision to spend their special day with another couple raises eyebrows.
This isn't the usual way to mark such a personal occasion.
Reports suggest that the Sussexes have developed a close friendship with the Robbins over the years.
They even attended the one-love film premiere together in Jamaica earlier this year.
Tracy Robbins was also among the first recipients of Meghan's homemade strawberry jam from her new venture, American Riviera Orchard, indicating a budding connection between the two couples.
Critics and social experts are quick to speculate that Meghan might be seeking to secure a new deal with Paramount following the end of her contract with Netflix last year.
Despite the studio facing its own financial challenges, Meghan appears to see a golden opportunity.
One can imagine Harry leaning over to Brian during dinner, casually mentioning Meghan's voiceover work, while Robbins likely regretted his decision to dine with the couple.
The choice to celebrate their anniversary with others instead of privately suggests that Meghan may prioritize business interests over personal connections.
Traditionally, anniversaries are meant for intimate celebration, yet Harry and Meghan seemed more focused on networking than nurturing their relationship.
Interestingly, reports from a YouTube channel revealed that Meghan and Harry did not initially plan to join the Robbins for dinner.
A server at the Lucky Steakhouse indicated that the Sussexes crashed the Robbins' dinner, contradicting earlier claims of a double date.
Initially, Meghan's PR team had portrayed the evening as a shared celebration, but it turns out that the Robbins had their own reserved table.
It remains unclear whether Meghan's approach to the Robbins was spontaneous or part of a larger strategy.
However, her eagerness to join them hinted at a more calculated move.
Observers noted the dynamics at play during the dinner, with Meghan steering the conversation and sharing anecdotes, including her infamous dish soap story and her new identity as a Nigerian princess.
While Brian Robbins appeared engaged in conversation with his wife, Harry seemed somewhat disconnected from the exchange.
This dynamic raises questions about the nature of their relationships and the underlying motivations behind this dinner.
Adding to the intrigue, there were whispers that Meghan had been tracking the Robbins' schedule, suggesting a level of premeditation regarding their meeting.
Despite attempts to frame the evening as a casual get-together, insiders indicate that the Robbins may have viewed the encounter with skepticism, if not outright annoyance.
This anniversary dinner, rather than being a romantic celebration, showcased a blend of personal and professional interests.