At a high-profile charity event in Santa Barbara, California, on September 20, Prince Harry found himself the subject of an unexpected case of mistaken identity. Attending the One805Live! fundraising concert, which supported local first responders, Harry was confused with his older brother, Prince William, in an awkward social media mishap. The concert, hosted by actor Kevin Costner at his sprawling $26 million estate, brought together a host of celebrities, including Pink, Cameron Diaz, Zoe Saldana, and Rob Lowe.
Following a performance by American singer Richard Marx, Prince Harry congratulated the artist backstage, warmly telling him, "Well done," in a brief interaction that was captured and shared by Marx's wife, Daisy Fuentes, on her Instagram story. However, Fuentes inadvertently tagged the Instagram account of Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, rather than Harry and Meghan Markle's inactive account. The tagging error, first reported by Hello! magazine, was not addressed by either Marx or Fuentes, but it quickly drew attention online.
Despite the minor social media blunder, the event marked another significant public appearance for Prince Harry, who took to the stage to present an award to Santa Barbara County air support pilot Loren Courtney. Harry praised Courtney for his 22 years of military service and over 10,000 flight hours, emphasizing his role in life-saving rescues. "There are people here tonight who are alive because of you," Harry said, calling Courtney a hero in front of the packed audience.
Courtney, in response, shared a memorable story of a challenging rescue mission in Colorado involving a severely injured skier. "We got him out. He spent almost a year in intensive care and then rehab, and now he's walking," Courtney recalled. Harry, known for his quick wit, responded with a smile, "You didn't have to rescue him again, did you?" The lighthearted exchange captured the spirit of the evening, which celebrated the bravery of first responders.
The One805Live! event drew an array of celebrities, including Cameron Diaz, Zoe Saldana, and Pink, who took the stage to entertain guests. Diaz and Saldana joked about being surrounded by firefighters and police officers, with Diaz quipping, "I may be looking to get arrested." Other performers included Dallas Green, Kenny Loggins, and the Santa Barbara Symphony, with the entire event reflecting the local community's gratitude for the men and women on the front lines of emergency services.
Notably absent from the event was Meghan Markle, who did not attend the concert with her husband. Prince Harry's solo appearance came just days after his 40th birthday, a milestone that was publicly acknowledged by his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate, on social media. The rare birthday message stood out against the backdrop of years of tension between Harry and the rest of the royal family following his and Meghan's decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020. In recent years, Harry has shifted his focus to his family life in California, where he lives with Meghan and their two children.
A source close to the Duke of Sussex shared that Harry celebrated his 40th birthday quietly at home in Montecito with a small group of close friends. While the prince still holds fond memories of his time in the UK, the insider noted that his primary concern is now ensuring the safety and happiness of his family. "He's focused on building a life for Meghan and their children," the source added.
The event itself showcased Harry's ongoing dedication to causes close to his heart, particularly his support for veterans and first responders, a continuation of the work he pursued while a working royal. As he presented the award to Loren Courtney, Harry's connection to military service was clear, reinforcing his enduring commitment to those who serve in difficult and dangerous conditions.
While the night was a success in raising funds and awareness for Santa Barbara's first responders, the accidental social media confusion highlighted the ever-present attention on the Duke of Sussex and his complex relationship with his royal past. Nonetheless, Harry's focus on the evening's mission-honoring the bravery and dedication of those on the front lines-remained at the forefront.