The 91st Hollywood Christmas Parade, a major tradition in the film capital, is set to kick off at 6pm on Sunday, bringing joy and festivity to the streets of Hollywood.
Co-organized by actors Eric Esther and Dean Cain, along with Montel Williams, Laura McKenzie, and Elizabeth Stanton, the parade promises to be a star-studded event.
However, there was one notable absence from the lineup – Meghan Markle.
According to Deadline, Meghan Markle was banned from participating in the parade.
The decision was met with loud boos from the crowd as she attempted to jump to the head of the parade for a moment in the spotlight.
An anonymous source revealed that Meghan’s appearance would have been overshadowed and that no one would care about her.
It seems the organizers agreed, as they ignored her request to feature billboards with her image and slogans along the parade route, as well as her desire to play the role of Santa Claus alongside Prince Harry in a car.
Despite Meghan’s absence, the parade is expected to draw thousands of spectators along its 3.2-mile route.
More than 90 celebrities and VIPs, including Santa Claus himself, will participate in the festivities.
The parade will feature 14 front performers and parades, 10 bands, a 64-story character hot air balloon, 3 floats, 39 movie cars, and 8 novelty vehicles.
The event aims to support marine toys for children, with approximately 5,000 people expected to take part.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade, produced annually by Associated Television International, will be co-broadcast on the Hallmark Channel and syndicated in the following years.
This ensures that the parade reaches a wide audience, even if Meghan Markle won’t be making an appearance on TV this time.
Among the celebrities and officials participating in the parade are Mayor Karen Bass, dancer Paula Abdul, singer Dwight Yoakam, radio host pop duo Cree Kasem, Ailey and AJ, and actors Chris Cadden, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson, Brandon Roth, Denise Richards, and Tati Ali.
Each year, the parade also highlights important charities and organizations that support those in need, spreading the message of kindness and mutual aid during the holiday season.
The news of Meghan Markle’s absence from the parade comes as she and Prince Harry navigate their post-royal lives.
After stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the couple has been exploring new career paths.
Omid Scobie, while promoting his upcoming book, revealed that business and philanthropy will be Meghan’s focus.
However, the exact nature of her business ventures remains uncertain, as it has reportedly changed multiple times during the book-writing process.
Despite this, there is a possibility that Meghan may return to acting, as she hinted at interesting film projects with Prince Harry.
Amidst the uncertainty, Markle attended the variety gala and expressed pride in the projects they are creating.
With her next move still up in the air, Meghan Markle continues to captivate the public’s attention, whether on the Hollywood Christmas Parade route or beyond.