Buying the Spotlight: The Sussexes’ Sundance Moment and the Art of Staying Visible

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived at the Sundance Film Festival in late January, the moment was presented as casual, supportive, and low-key. The couple attended a screening of a small documentary about young Girl Scouts learning life lessons through cookie sales—a wholesome and inspiring concept. On paper, it sounded simple: two well-known figures showing up to champion a feel-good project.
In practice, however, the appearance felt anything but simple.
For years, critics have argued that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are less focused on creating original work and more focused on attaching themselves to projects that already exist. Sundance seemed to reinforce that narrative. Rather than developing the documentary from its earliest stages, the couple reportedly joined later as executive producers, adding their names and financial backing once the film was already completed.
To supporters, this is smart investing. To skeptics, it looks like a familiar shortcut: wait until a project is polished, step in with funding, and collect both credit and access. Either way, the outcome was the same. Harry and Meghan secured an invitation to one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world—along with the red-carpet photos that inevitably follow.
And photos, once again, became the main event.
Prince Harry’s outfit drew mild amusement online. A puffer vest, casual clogs, and relaxed styling gave off the energy of someone headed to a tech meetup rather than a major cultural festival. Meghan opted for a pared-down look: jeans, a black top, minimal jewelry, and understated makeup. Many observers noted that this was one of her most restrained fashion choices in recent memory, a sharp contrast to some of her more heavily styled public appearances.
The simplicity felt intentional.
In recent years, Meghan’s image has increasingly leaned toward “effortless relatability.” Casual denim and neutral tones communicate approachability, even when worn by someone who lives a life far removed from ordinary experience. It is a familiar celebrity tactic: look normal, appear accessible, and let the optics suggest humility.
Body language, however, told a more complicated story.
Photographs from the event showed Harry appearing relaxed beside other attendees, including the filmmaker’s family. Meghan, meanwhile, was frequently positioned close to the center of the frame, smiling broadly, leaning in, and maintaining strong visual presence. To critics, it looked less like a quiet supportive role and more like a carefully managed photo opportunity.
This contrast reignited an ongoing debate about authenticity.
Only days earlier, Prince Harry had been in a London courtroom describing the emotional toll of press intrusion and arguing that relentless media coverage had deeply harmed him and his loved ones. Yet in Utah, he appeared comfortable posing for photographers and participating in festival publicity. For many observers, the contradiction was difficult to ignore.
If press attention is traumatizing, why actively seek it?
Supporters might argue that controlled publicity is different from invasive tabloid behavior. Critics counter that the distinction grows thin when high-profile appearances are carefully staged and widely circulated. The underlying tension remains: Harry condemns the media machine while continuing to rely on it to maintain relevance.
Timing also raised eyebrows.
While the Sussexes were attending screenings and mingling with industry insiders, major global issues dominated headlines elsewhere. This disconnect fueled accusations of tone-deafness, a criticism the couple has faced repeatedly. Their brand emphasizes compassion, activism, and global awareness, yet moments like Sundance often come across as more focused on celebrity networking than substantive impact.
The documentary itself—centered on young girls navigating ambition, teamwork, and growth—received positive reactions. Ironically, many viewers felt that the girls featured in the film came across as more genuine and naturally engaging than the famous adults attached to the project. Their unpolished sincerity contrasted sharply with the polished public personas surrounding the screening.
Another layer of criticism centered on comparisons between Meghan and Princess Catherine. Observers noted similarities in Meghan’s understated outfit and calm demeanor, interpreting it as an attempt to project a “supportive royal spouse” image. Whether intentional or not, the comparison highlights an ongoing struggle: Meghan’s public image is often perceived as strategic rather than instinctive.
Charisma, critics argue, cannot be manufactured.
Over time, a consistent pattern has emerged in how the Sussexes operate in Hollywood. Instead of building long-term creative pipelines, they tend to align themselves with existing projects, attach executive producer credits, and leverage the association for visibility. It is not inherently wrong—many celebrities do the same—but it clashes with their frequent claims of wanting to move away from superficial fame.
Sundance, then, felt less like a milestone in creative achievement and more like a reminder of their current position in the entertainment ecosystem.
They are no longer working royals.
They are not fully established Hollywood power players.
They exist somewhere in between—famous enough to draw attention, yet still searching for a defining success.
For one snowy weekend in Utah, the strategy worked. They got headlines. They got photos. They reminded the world they are still here.
But the larger question remains unresolved.
Are Meghan and Harry building something meaningful, or simply buying moments that simulate relevance?
The Sundance appearance did not provide a definitive answer. Instead, it reinforced a growing perception that their public life is driven less by creative vision and more by calculated visibility. In an era where attention is currency, the Sussexes continue to spend generously.
Whether that investment will ever translate into lasting influence—or merely temporary headlines—remains to be seen.