One week after an unforgettable time in Germany for the Invictus Games, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were back on home turf for Santa Barbara's One805 charity fundraiser, supporting the First Responder community.
The event was hosted by Hollywood legend and Yellowstone star Kevin Costner at his oceanside estate in Summerland.
The Duke & Duchess, and Kevin Costner with the owner of Alessia Patisserie and Cafe 💖 pic.twitter.com/2OT02mJBcD
— Iris 🦆 (@IrisTheeScholar) September 23, 2023
Santa Barbara is a relatively small community and in fact Harry and Meghan shared a love of Italian eatery Tre Lune with Costner, so I'm not at all surprised their paths crossed at some point and they were invited to the the annual charity event which has distributed over $1.6 million since its inception in 2018.
Some chats from the event 🖤🖤🖤
— Katerina🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) September 23, 2023
(They are obviously hated everywhere, lol) pic.twitter.com/lYPQS07Hel
It was an event filled with familiar faces including Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. Last month, Meghan and Portia enjoyed a girls afternoon out with friends for a showing of summer blockbuster Barbie.
Meghan chatting with Oprah, Ellen and Portia. pic.twitter.com/e5enJx6znP
— Alexis🏅 #InvictusGames (@ArchewellBaby) September 23, 2023
One805 was born after the Montecito Mudflow claimed the lives of 23 community members.
All Chiefs of the Santa Barbara County First Responder departments sit on the One805 Advisory Council, and are directly involved with the decisions of where funding is directed. This ensures that funds are quickly sent where they are most needed at any given time, regardless of the department.
The whole Santa Barbara community was out last night so it was a good chance for Harry and Meghan to meet the neighbors. #One805Live 🎥 TikTok: carlahughesnz pic.twitter.com/i051kS8nRa
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) September 23, 2023
One805 is the only organisation to support all three primary First Responder agencies in Santa Barbara County. One donation helps all three.
The organisation is also increasingly focused on supporting the mental health of first responders. One805 notes: "Many mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation, are more common among First Responders."
Freedom looks so good on them 💖 pic.twitter.com/1bUxVOOkDH
— Iris 🦆 (@IrisTheeScholar) September 23, 2023
A teaser shared just before the Duke and Duchess arrived.
The Duchess with Father Larry Gosselin of Old Mission Santa Barbara. Afterwards, he shared photos on Facebook and wrote: "Attending the amazing gala of 'One 805 Live' concert fundraiser to support our local communities First Responders. Having the great privilege and joy of sharing time with Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan, who are part our local community."
The Duke and Duchess were introduced as special guests before presenting Kevin with an award.
“Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were among the big names who joined Kevin Costner at a @One805sb charity fundraiser in Santa Barbara, California, on Friday.” https://t.co/mEmS7fOAxo
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) September 23, 2023
A video of the moment.
Harry and Meghan's latest campaign: Winning over Hollywood? The Sussexes were all smiles as they took the spotlight at Kevin Costner's fundraiser, with close celebrity allies Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres also in attendance. pic.twitter.com/0mZqtNrtyo
— Iris (@Iris_i_Life) September 23, 2023
'In the clip, Meghan, 42, clapped as Harry, 39, walked over to Kevin to hand him the award and shook his hand.
“Good afternoon everyone,” the actor then said to the crowd of attendees. “Now, I get asked a lot by my friends who have no manners, ‘Kev, what’s this place cost? What’s it worth?’ And I can just simply tell you on a day, like today, it’s worth every penny.”
“That you’ll be here to celebrate people you’ll never maybe meet,” the Yellowstone star continued. “The ones who are the first to rush in. And it's a place that I’ve had a lot of good luck in my life and I’ve tried to not throw up a wall around it, so thank you for coming.”
— Iris 🦆 (@IrisTheeScholar) September 23, 2023
As Oprah appeared on stage, she was delighted to introduce Sam Dudley and his service dog Rhonda: "Sam, in addition to all the extraordinary things that One805 does, they have a counseling service where they counsel over 700 responders and this year alone prevented 24 suicides. Sam knows all too well how beneficiary one805 counseling services are."
Instagrammer Jules shared: "As the wife/family of a fire fighter in sb, we know intimately how important mental health access is. This program has saved us in really hard times. So thank you all for supporting your amazing fire fighters. We need them healthy."
Harry and Meghan posed for photos.
Harry & Meghan taking selfies and pictures in Santa Barbara for Kevin Costners 'One805 Live!' Fundraising event !!💖
— Iris 🦆 (@IrisTheeScholar) September 23, 2023
They were here honoured guests at the event and presented award ✨
Ps. Meghan’s Carolina Coat is sold out 😭📈 pic.twitter.com/MDh5HqaeQI
One might say the party was the chatter of Santa Barbara social media :)
My mom is at a party at Kevin Costner’s house … along with Harry & Megan. So, if you’re wondering what it’s like to be the coolest one in the family, I clearly have no idea pic.twitter.com/c8ZL11rqYu
— Shawn Krest (@ShawnKrest) September 23, 2023
The Duchess continued her streak of effortlessly chic autumnal ensembles, choosing a grey oversized Carolina Herrera cape.
Meghan accessorised with her gold Tabayer earrings.
And her Manolo Blahnik Camaprimesh pumps in black. The updated polka dot style is available here and here.
That really is a lovely coat -- it stands out beautifully. I saw her in the coat (on my phone news) and wondered what the benefit was about, and am so glad you covered it so I know the truth. It sounds like a wonderful community-supported program, and the community happens to be full of well-known people, who I'm sure appreciate the first responders. I love seeing that H&M can be part of their community.
ReplyDeleteAll I've seen is everyone raving about that coat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gathering, that benefit the first responders directly and that Meghan coat, I love 💕💕💕 it
ReplyDeleteEvent like this give me hope above haters daily lamentation....... Love wins
ReplyDeleteYes indeed the coat is magnificent; for someone like me not a big fan of very loose fitting. I find this coat beautiful and classy. The Sussexes are making good progress. I wish them to find even more beautiful and strong opportunities to realize all their projects.
ReplyDeleteTerrific cape. I have one that's very similar in styling but it's all black, not that lovely black-and-white herringbone tweed, which looks great on the Duchess. Herringbone tweed fairly screams "autumn," though it's not a fabric I associate much with southern California. It's usually hot there at this time of year, but there must be a chill in the air, since the Duchess isn't the only person dressed for cool weather.
ReplyDeleteThat coat is everything! Meghan looks amazing. It's great to see Harry and Meghan out at a community event benefiting first responders, and being eagerly welcomed by all. The British media try to create negative news about them, but it only seems to work with those already in that camp. I'm so thrilled to see Harry and Meghan so happy, so loved.
ReplyDeleteR
A worthy cause for a fire prone part of the world and likely to see more in the future. Perhaps the Americans could explain what is it with the fascination with awards. Kevin Costner lives in a fire prone area, he opened his estate to host an event to raise money for first responders, whom he might one day require. What on earth was he given an award for???? This is interesting blog marred only in my opinion by constant harping about naysayers etc. The past is past and perhaps the focus should be on the now and the life in the US.
ReplyDeleteLibby, I was also wondering why an award is needed! I know that the US has gone a bit overboard in accolades in the past year. Anyone who does something kind is now a hero. Military members are all warriors.
DeleteI have to agree. There is a tendency to over-praise things, sometimes even miscontructing events in the process. At this point things are so hysterical overdone it becomes an instant turn off for me. This kind of one-dimensional narrative, be it an award or completely glossing over any negative points have me almost immediately starting to form a more negative opinion as a reflex.
DeleteC.
Thank you Allison. I feel I am getting award cringe overload
DeleteThis has nothing to do with H&M, but what drives me nuts is when someone returns a lost credit card or wallet and then is celebrated like a home-town hero. I would of course do this, although I know some would not. But it takes little effort to do the right thing. A hero is someone who dives into a raging river to save someone (or an animal).
Delete@Libby, Unless we are part of the Santa Barbara/ Montecito community, we wouldn't really know what the award is all about. We also wouldn't know exactly why Costner was presented with an award. He may have done yeoman work over the years, contributed a lot of money, or he could have been at the forefront of organizing this community charity, in the aftermath of 23 deaths from a disastrous mudslide. Clearly, this region is prone to natural disasters, and everyone in the community puts disaster readiness at the top of their priority list. They pay the price for living in a beautiful area with gorgeous views, lovely climate but major environmental dangers. Why pick on Americans as people who enjoy giving out awards? That sounds like sour grapes. There are so many more pressing things to focus on and to be concerned about in the world today, besides getting your feathers ruffled over Kevin Costner receiving an award from friends and neighbors in his community!
DeleteAs well, the Sussexes have received several awards over the past few years (since their move to Meghan's home state of California. They have received individual and collective awards recognizing their many worthy charitable endeavors, which have made a beneficial impact. These awards are not frivolous. Before simply accepting the NAACP Image Award, H&M desired to create an award with the NAACP to recognize significant, groundbreaking work done by others in the fields of social justice and human rights. Again, nothing frivolous about recognizing those who make sacrifices for the benefit of aiding and enlightening others. We are all in this fight to make a better world. Those who prefer to nitpick on the sidelines, so be it. And one other thing to note: the Sussexes receive so much 24/7 over-the-top, false, negative, and ridiculous critiques that honestly, there's no room for normal criticism of them. They aren't perfect people, and they have never claimed to be perfect. They are courageous role models, though. They are also surviving, thriving, and free to live their lives as they choose. And that's a good thing!
DeleteI have to say that it makes me feel so good to see H&M defended!
DeleteThis benefit for the first responders highlights the splendid work they do. Well done to Kevin Costner for using this platform to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see these photos this morning. It's a great cause and everyone looks absolutely lovely. I have to say, I was really expecting them to go under cover a bit after TIG last week, but maybe, just maybe we are entering a more active era for them? I'm truly hoping this is the beginning of more events for them both.
ReplyDeleteAlso...I know people are going to be talking the heavy jacket she is wearing and how it's not right for Southern California. I just have to add this. I used to live in LA and we would frequently drive up to Santa Barbara and San Francisco for vacations. Santa Barbara sits in between LA and San Francisco in what I would describe as an area completely surrounded by mountains and ocean. Meaning...it's extremely cold and fairly misty daily. I would always have to remember to bring a heavier jacket for our excursions up there. So, Meghan's coat is completely appropriate for someone that probably doesn't like to be freezing.
EC Anon
The weather in Santa Barbara is a lot cooler than Los Angeles or other parts of Southern California, especially in the evenings. This cape is beautiful, and the shoes are fabulous! I love that the organization is named One805 as 805 is the phone area code for Santa Barbara and various other cities and towns nearby.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte- would you please post the link to your other royal blog (not Chronicling Kate) as I’ve forgotten the name :)
Hello, of course, thank you https://theroyaldigest.blogspot.com/
DeleteI am sorry.Is it winter there? We have 34 degrees Celsius here in Greece. I find the coat too wintery
ReplyDeleteIt's 57--60 in the evening. When I visited San Diego years ago (it's farther south) in the summer, it was shorts weather during the day but sweater weather at night.
DeleteI want to add that somehow there has been a campaign to criticize Meghan (among so many other things!) either for being friendly (and pushy) with "celebrities" or for being shunned by such. All of the RF members, working or not, are friendly with an assortment of actors, singers, etc. Meghan's school friend is Katherine McPhee! No one is liked by everyone regardless of who you are, but it's lovely to see a contradiction to some of the lies. Regardless of the celebrity status you have achieved in your life, they are all simply people and there's no reason some of them cannot enjoy the company of H&M.
ReplyDeleteI feel I have to point out that other royals have been and are criticised for this as well though. Especially the Walses got a lot of criticism for rubbing shoulders with US celebrities in the first five years. Kate still gets regularly criticised for favouring certain sports/tournaments because she is friendly with some of the competitors. As H&M are not representing and working for the BRF anymore this criticism is no longer valid. For W&K, I still think questioning with whom they asosciate is ok- especially if it seems to maybe clash with what is expected of royals.
DeleteC.
Meghan and Harry are 'rubbing shoulders' with their neighbors and friends, some (not all) of whom happen to be wealthy celebrities. What do you want them to do? Not engage in the community lifestyle, events, and common interests of their neighbors?! Not be happy and fulfilled? Not exist? In fact, H&M are among the wealthiest, high profile celebrities in their community (yet low-key in terms of how often they are seen in public). Sorry, it is quite impossible for the Sussexes to not be celebrities. The huge, daily bated breath interest in their every move is part of what adds to their celebrity. Nothing they are doing in nurturing their family and loving each other is about being celebrities, though.
DeleteAnd who is criticizing them? Largely the rubbishy tabloids, that's who. No one should put any credence in those sleazy publications; they exist to foment conflict, to cause trouble, because they think that sells. It does, of course, but not to anyone intelligent, anyone who matters. And I refuse to apologize for the elitism of that statement. I'm well past the age of feeling the need to do so.
DeleteWhether or not their claims are accurate is a matter of supreme unimportance to the tabloids, and of course they are wildly inconsistent and venal in their "praise and blame" judgments. "Someone has to be up and someone has to be down," as one tabloid writer admitted when asked why the Duchess of Sussex was being attacked while the then-Duchess of Cambridge was suddenly being painted as an angel after years of being attacked herself. Criticizing the Sussexes for involvement with celebrities is all about the profit motive, though in the case of the rather pathetic Daily Mail, it's surely at least partly about the Mail's loss of lawsuits filed against it by the Sussexes, among other celebrities.
As for rubbing shoulders with celebrities, like it or not, royals are celebrities, too, not empyrean, angelic beings. The tabloids certainly treat them as celebrities.
Always such a joy to come here and view and read the actual NEWS of events rather than the what the tabloids print. The cape is gorgeous for sure. Harry looks great (and happy) as well. On the most important front, what a wonderful opportunity for the community, Harry and Meghan included, to support their First Responder community and have a fun night out as well.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to come across this update from Charlotte! Looks like Harry & Meghan supported a wonderful, coastal evening fundraiser. I’m glad Harry was on stage to give an award. H&M always do an excellent job of shining the spotlight on the accomplishments of others.
ReplyDeleteRenee
Great photos. I’m loving Oprah’s creamy yellow sweater. Meghan looks so Parisian chic in that not-your-Sherlock-Holmes tweedy cape coat. I love it. Want it, but too short to wear it well. Harry in black. Again. It’s quite the Hollywood, rich Santa Barbara crowd showing up to support their community first responders. That’s nice to see and relatable. We do fund raising for our local Search and Rescue crew here and it’s a bit like a block party.
ReplyDeleteI also read Germany’s positive reception of IG helped ushered in a greater public appreciation and support for injured vets in Germany. Win-win.
-from the PNW
Excellent coverage thank you.
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful and kind. I'm so happy we can see them more often than before.
ReplyDeleteAs I’m reading this blog, we are having our first big fall storm bringing rain, wind and cooler temps. It is the first rain in 3 months so we are grateful for the drought relief. Of course I’m envious of those of you who are out and about in summer attire, enjoying summery days still. But I won’t trade my west coast moderate temperate climate for the wintry cold or blazing heat of other locales. My east coast family used to laugh when they see us in January in light rain jacket, fleece AND shorts while they are bundled up (though climate change is affecting the norms everywhere). The local government and schools shutdown when we get an few cm of snow because we aren’t equipped for the rare snow storms while the rest of the country laughs at our wimpiness. Such is life.
ReplyDelete-cheers from the PNW
While I am often enough not a big fan of Meghans outfits, (the outfit itself or the outfit in combination with the occasion) I absolutely love this cape. Even though it has a wide silouhette it doesn't drown her but makes her face the focal point. The cooler colour palette suits her very well. She basically glows out of it.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that people wore such a wide range of seasonal outfits though. No arm or thick sweater for example. Makes me wonder what temperature there actually was, and if one half of the people came in from a completely different temperature zone.
C.
It’s dressing to individual comfort. I used to run cold but after menopause, I run hotter. I’ll be wearing one layer while others have on a sweater or fleece. My husband, when not working, likes to wear shorts in our winter (like our mail person), unless he’s skiing.
DeletePlus people are from everywhere. When we go skiing with friends from Alberta in our coastal mountains, they aren’t as geared up as us. They are used to much colder weather in the Canadian Rockies. Last May, I attended an outdoor wedding in New Orleans when it was hot and humid, I was practically naked (not really), but goodness, it was so uncomfortable! The sweat never dried off. They laughed and said come visit us in July or August, then you’ll feel the real heat. Ummm, no thanks.
I think this hang up about Meghan wearing warmer clothes is odd. She wears warmer clothes than what some of us would, but her preference seems consistent. I think she’s just one of those people who gets chilled easily. It’s not a crime. Unlike her black nail polish, messy bun and pant suits ;) Lol.
-rainy days in PNW
I don't get where you get me being hung up? I don't get US based temperature data so without having any idea what season and what temperature it is it looks odd that EVERYONE seems to be dressed for completely different seasons and temperatures. And of course people living somewhere else might dress warmer/cooler than locals. But this was a local engagemant was it not? And yes, personal preference plays a big part but usually it is not that extreme with locals.
DeleteSo my comment about people dressing all over the place wasn't targeting M at all. It makes me question though how many locals actually took part in this fundraiser.
C.
She looks gorgeous in this outfit I adore it. I don't know why the british media made a big deal of the woman pulling the microphone away from Meghan it definitely wasn't meant to be a snub. this event is doing very important work nice to see the sussexes looking so happy
ReplyDeleteI think the evening was to raise funds to provide additional support first responders of the area so very much a worthy cause. I think at the same time a thank you in the form of an "award" was given to people who have provided support for members of the community in need. I read that one of the winners of "heart of the community award" (the goofy looking placque with what looks like a cross-section of a heart on top) was a man who founded an organization called Adam's Angels to help people who find themselves in bad straightened circumstances and need help to get back on their feet. I think he certainly deserved recognition. I'm not sure why Costner got an award, but apparently he has provided his estate as a venue for the fundraisers and has been involved with the charity for a number
ReplyDeleteof years so I guess it's a thank you. It never hurts to thank people, even if it means giving them what some might consider a superfluous token.
You know, no matter how many ways you slice or dice it, Meghan’s (and Harry’s) royal press coverage is far more toxic, mean spirited, often with full on misogyny and sadly, racism than what K & W received. Yes, Kate had to deal with misogyny too. This misogyny is a royal rite of passage that the firm tolerates and as a result, is now part of the problem, which is why I can’t take their anti bullying, stop domestic violence, anti-misogyny speeches seriously.
ReplyDeleteIf you count the number of negative stories in the tabloids and non-tabloids, especially the UK press about Meghan, they exceed Kate’s. Kate is more often profiled with superlatives these last 7 years as queenly, regal, woman of the year, mother of the year, take charge, peacemaker, etc. (I feel bad for Kate because she’s being set up by the royal press here.) Then take the on the record words of Wooten, Jeremey Clarkson, Tom Sykes, Piers Morgan, Sarah Vine, Camilla Tominy and the rest of royal what-I-do-for-cash experts, you see a consistent and persistent let’s trash talk M&H pattern. This lot is pretty shrill and gossipy repeaters who ran out of materials the last 3 years and it shows. There’s no smidgeon of stiff upper lip despite all the proud proclamation. It’s like a fire sale of royal beef for royal leakers and spillers. It’s also interesting to see how many have political ties (including marriage and familial ties) to right wing Tories and their policies. The invisible contract with the largely right wing UK royal press shapes the political and cultural narrative. I used to subscribe to the Times, but the quality went downhill and gave up the subscription after it was bought out by you know whom.
-looking for sun from the PNW
Ditto
DeleteAs a total fan of heringbone pattern I love this cape! She looks great! Regarding the endless discussion about the Sussexes and the media: I have no expectations regarding the tabloids worldwide. I totally stopped even taking a glimpse at them. But I was a bit disappointed that some of the better papers also jumped on the train to vilefy them. Here in Germany for example the FAZ a wellknown conservative weekly newspaper did. just that. During the Invinctus Games they obviously had their first real encounter with the Sussexes and discovered they were actually nice people.
ReplyDeleteI hope that not all conservative media outlets use the Sussexes in their „anti-woke“ campaigns. Good Journalism is rare these days due to time and money and other issues. But we need it to not be persuaded manipulated or else. Balanced information is so important - Thank you Charlotte that you provide it here in such a beautiful way
Kristina
I want to mention some of the low-key items Meghan has done lately. On leaving Germany, she met with women and children at TrebeCafé in Dusseldorf (and wire a lovely gray sweater). Then, Archewell Foundation donated backpacks, water bottles, menstrual products and more to girls in Nigeria through GEANCO. And Meghan has verbally supported SmartWorks a day or so ago (after luxury leather goods brand Cuyana donated 500 handbags in 2022.
ReplyDeleteI hope this means that we will continue to see more of her. I think she paused for awhile to have her children.
This engagement made me so happy, though, that I will be very sorry to see the images leave when the next engagements occur.
ReplyDelete