The 91st Hollywood Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition in the movie capital, is set to kick off on Sunday.
According to Deadline, the grand spectacle will commence at 6pm, winding its way through the streets of Hollywood.
The parade will be co-hosted by actors Eric Estrada and Dean Cain, along with Montel Williams, Laura McKenzie, and Elizabeth Stanton.
However, one notable absence from the lineup is Meghan Markle, who has reportedly been banned from participating.
Thousands of eager spectators are expected to line the 3.2-mile U-shaped route, eagerly awaiting the appearance of over 90 celebrities and VIPs.
The parade will also feature 14 pre-parade and parade performers, 10 bands, 6 four-story high character balloons, 3 floats, 39 movie cars, and 8 novelty vehicles.
And of course, the highlight of the event will be the arrival of Santa Claus himself, accompanied by his trusty reindeer.
In total, approximately 5,000 participants are anticipated to take part in the parade, which aims to support Marine Toys for Tots.
However, according to an insider source on Blind Item, Meghan Markle’s absence from the parade was not entirely voluntary.
It is alleged that her appearance would have been overshadowed by the other participants, as the public’s interest in her has waned.
Undeterred, Meghan had expressed a desire to have billboards featuring her image, adorned with feminist and humanitarian slogans, placed along the parade route.
Additionally, she had hoped to ride in a carriage beside her husband, Prince Harry, who would have played the role of Santa Claus.
Regrettably, the organizers of the Hollywood Christmas Parade turned down Meghan’s requests.
The annual parade has been produced by Associated Television International, with broadcasts on the Hallmark Channel and through traditional syndication in subsequent years.
In an effort to secure her presence on television, Meghan approached WME (William Morris Endeavor), hoping they could ensure her appearance during the parade.
The parade will commence at 6pm on Sundays, beginning at Orange Street and Hollywood Boulevard.
It will then proceed east on Hollywood Boulevard to Vine Street, before heading south on Vine Street and west on Sunset Boulevard back to Orange.
Among the celebrities and dignitaries set to participate are Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, dancer-singer Paula Abdul, singer Dwight Yoakam, radio host Keri Kasem, pop duo Ali and AJ, and actors Chris Catton, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson, Brandon Roth, Ming Na Wen, Denise Richards, and Tatina Ali.
Each year, the parade aims to raise awareness for Toys for Tots, along with other charitable organizations dedicated to helping the underprivileged during the giving season.
The event serves as a reminder that we all depend on each other and that kindness and mutual assistance are worth celebrating.
This news comes in the wake of reports from GOTV indicating that Meghan Markle is uncertain about her next career move.
Since stepping down as senior royals alongside Prince Harry in 2020, Meghan has prioritized her business ventures and philanthropic endeavors.
Omid Scobie, while promoting his upcoming book, shared with the Times that Meghan’s business plans have undergone several changes, making it difficult to pinpoint her exact path.