On Friday, August 7, David Foster and wife Katharine McPhee returned to the famed Canadian music producer’s hometown of Victoria, British Columbia to host the annual charity gala for his David Foster Foundation.
The star-studded event featured performances from Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, Adam Levine and James Valentine of Maroon 5, Josh Groban, CeeLo Green, Kenny G and more. What really made headlines, however, was the surprise appearance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who joined the couple on the red carpet to pose for photos.
Reports of a Snub
However, those reports were quickly eclipsed by a viral video taken on the red carpet.
In that video, Foster is seen walking toward the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. When Duchess Meghan extends her hand to greet Foster, he walks past her, seemingly ignoring her gesture.
He then takes his place beside McPhee, with the two couples posing for photos — with Foster leaning backwards to share some words with Harry while their wives laugh.
That video led to a slew of reports claming that Foster “ignored” Markle, describing their encounter as “awkward.”
A Royal Appearance
McPhee took to Instagram to share some of those red carpet photos.
In the caption, the former “American Idol” contestant praised her husband for organizing the charity gala, which raised $14.5 million.
“It was a unforgettable evening filled with so much love, music, and generosity,” she wrote. “And what an honor it was to be a part of it.”
Foster Fires Back
As rumors of friction between Foster and Markle circulated online, the ex-husband of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum Yolanda Hadid issued a scathing statement to People.
In his statement, Foster dismissed the rumors as “clickbait” and “a hurtful lie” that completely misrepresented what had actually happened.
“As the host of the David Foster and Friends foundation event, I had already greeted our friends, the Duke and Duchess, at the entrance 10 minutes before the red carpet encounter,” Foster said.
“They both, graciously and selflessly, gave their time and went beyond to engage with everyone. Harry and Meghan are dear friends of mine. Anyone watching can see there was no awkward moment and certainly no snub,” Foster continued.
“It’s sad that certain media chose to deceive a red carpet encounter for clickbait,” he concluded. “They turned simple ‘positioning’ to get the best photo into a hurtful lie.”
40 Years of Saving Lives
Harry and Meghan’s attendance marked a very special occasion celebrating the 40th anniversary of The David Foster Foundation, a charity that offers financial support to Canadian families whose children require life-saving organ transplants.
Over the course of those 40 years, Foster’s foundation has assisted more than 1,600 families in dire need of assistance during a difficult time of medical crisis.
Sadly, the 76-year-old producer has also announced this year’s gala will be the foundation’s last.
In commemoration of the grand finale, on the night after the gala Foster hosted a free concert in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, attracting an audience estimated at more than 35,000.
With Foster and his band providing accompaniment, performers included McPhee, Josh Groban, CeeLo Green and more. The event also included a flyover by the Candian Forces Snowbirds, a high-tech drone show and a spectacular fireworks display lasting nearly a half-hour.
A Long Friendship
When Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and left London for California, their first stop was actually Victoria.
That was no accident; Foster, who maintains deep connections with his hometown, found them a secluded home to stay while they sorted out their next steps during their fraught exit from Buckingham Palace.
The friendship between Foster and the prince can be traced to their wives, who attended school together and have remained lifelong friends.
“My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry,” McPhee told “Access Hollywood” in 2020. “They’re like, they’re so cute. They’re like father and son… We just stay in touch with them. But mostly, Meghan and I knew each other from childhood, but really Harry and my husband are friends. It’s really nice.”
