Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently hosted a private fundraising dinner in Indianapolis with the goal of raising money for their charity, Archewell. However, what was intended to be a high-profile event with a hefty price tag of $5,000 per ticket turned out to be a significant disappointment, as the turnout was much lower than expected. Despite planning for around 100 guests, photos from the event reveal rows of empty chairs, with only a small number of attendees present, estimated to be fewer than 30.

The high cost of attendance may have been a primary factor in the low turnout. Even for a brief interaction with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, $5,000 is a considerable amount of money. The lack of perks, such as the opportunity to take a selfie with the couple, further diminished the appeal for many potential attendees. Meghan and Harry had reportedly banned phones at the event, likely to prevent leaks of any sensitive information or images. However, this decision appears to have backfired, as many people were unwilling to pay such a high price without the chance to capture the moment.

Royal correspondent Murray Hogarth suggested that the poor turnout could be a sign that public enthusiasm for Harry and Meghan has waned. The couple, who have often voiced concerns about privacy and media intrusion, may have misjudged the extent to which people value such interactions. Without the promise of a photo or a memorable takeaway, many potential guests might have found it difficult to justify the steep ticket price.

Another factor that could have contributed to the event’s lackluster attendance is its location. While Indianapolis is a vibrant city, it is not known as a celebrity hotspot like New York or Los Angeles. Hosting such a high-ticket event in a smaller Midwestern market may have limited the pool of potential donors, especially those who might be willing to pay a premium for a charitable cause. The choice of venue likely played a role in the event’s underwhelming turnout.

In the end, the combination of a high price tag, a no-selfie policy, and the choice of location led to the event’s disappointing outcome. What was intended to be a successful fundraiser for Archewell turned into an expensive lesson for Meghan and Harry. The rows of empty seats at the dinner serve as a reminder that even high-profile figures like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex must carefully consider what they are offering in exchange for such significant financial contributions.

This event highlights the challenges the couple faces as they navigate their post-royal life, particularly in maintaining public interest and support for their initiatives. The miscalculation at this fundraiser underscores the importance of aligning the perceived value of an event with the expectations of potential attendees, especially when such high stakes are involved.