Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend One805LIVE! Concert in California
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, made a notable appearance at the One805LIVE! concert in Carpinteria, California, on September 20, 2023. This marked Harry’s first public engagement following his reunion with his father, King Charles III, in the United Kingdom. The couple attended the event unexpectedly, demonstrating their continued support for local initiatives.
The concert, hosted in the backyard of Hollywood actor Kevin Costner, aimed to raise funds for Santa Barbara County’s first responders. This year’s event attracted a lineup of artists, including country music star Trisha Yearwood, rock band Good Charlotte, and R&B singer Thelma Houston. Harry, who has attended the concert in previous years, joined Meghan backstage before the couple presented an award to Mark Hartwig, the Fire Chief of Santa Barbara County.
Organizers described One805LIVE! as “an unforgettable evening of music, community, and support for our First Responders.” They highlighted the importance of the concert, emphasizing its role in raising funds for essential equipment and mental wellness programs for local emergency services.
Significant Family Reunion
Harry’s recent trip to the U.K. included a significant meeting with King Charles III. This reunion, which took place at Clarence House on September 10, 2023, was the first time the father and son had met in 19 months. Reports indicate the two shared a heartfelt conversation lasting approximately 54 minutes, discussing family matters and Charles’s health.
According to a source cited by Us Weekly, the reconciliation was facilitated by a handwritten letter from Harry expressing his desire to reconnect. This meeting was particularly poignant, as King Charles has been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer since February 2024. “There were hugs and tears at the meeting,” the insider recounted, indicating the emotional weight of their discussion.
In an interview with The Guardian, Harry stated, “the focus really has to be on my dad” moving forward. When asked if the reunion increased the chances of his family returning to the U.K., he replied, “This week has definitely brought that closer,” referring to his family which includes their two children: Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
Lingering Tensions with the Royal Family
While Harry’s relationship with King Charles appears to be improving, tensions persist between him and his brother, Prince William. A source confirmed to Us Weekly that William and his wife, Kate Middleton, still feel hurt by Harry’s public disclosures and criticisms of their roles within the royal family. The source noted that these issues represent breaches of trust that require significant time to heal.
As Harry navigates these family dynamics, Meghan celebrated his return to the U.S. through a post on her brand’s official Instagram account, As Ever. Sharing a photo of two glasses of wine on September 14, 2023, she wrote, “When your beau is back in town…” This lighthearted gesture reflects the couple’s ongoing commitment to each other and their life in Santa Barbara, where they have resided since 2020.
The couple’s engagement at the One805LIVE! concert underscores their dedication to community support while also balancing complex family relationships within the royal family. As Harry continues to manage both public and private aspects of his life, the coming months may reveal further developments in his relationship with his father and brother.
