Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, found herself in an unexpected predicament when a fund manager revealed a letter she had written several months ago requesting free items.
Onlookers witnessed the 41-year-old royal entering a Santa Barbara salon, engaged in a seemingly intense conversation with her security guard, frequently checking her phone after removing earbuds.
Opting for a casual look without makeup, she sported black ballet flats, skinny jeans, and a striped sweater accessorized with gold bracelets, all complemented by a Fendi peek-a-boo ICU bag valued at over $5,000.
After her salon visit, Meghan returned home to Montecito, swapping her initial sweater for a long-sleeved t-shirt.
Notably absent were Prince Harry and their two children, as Meghan ventured out solo.
A manager at Fendi Beverly Hills Rodeo confirmed Meghan’s visit by retweeting an old article related to her.
However, the shopping excursion appeared to be less than smooth sailing, with Meghan visibly frustrated and sporting a constant frown.
Bill Simmons, Spotify’s global sports strategy head, voiced his displeasure towards Harry and Meghan in the media, labeling them as lazy and grifters.
Earlier that day, Meghan visited the Fendi flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where Nikki Martinez assisted her during a 20-minute inquiry about sponsored items for celebrities.
Unfortunately, the interaction took a sour turn, with Meghan displaying impatience and accusing Martinez of not meeting customer needs, leaving a regrettable impression.
It came to light that Meghan had previously sent a formal letter using her royal title, requesting complimentary bags and shoes from Fendi for upcoming press events.
The Fendi team found the request amusing and adhered to their protocol of not gifting items to royalty.
Meghan’s desperation was palpable in making such a plea, but Martinez, while maintaining utmost politeness, ultimately declined her proposal.
Moreover, Meghan appeared uncomfortable carrying the Fendi peekaboo ICU bag provided by the store and did not return any items afterward.
In an interview with The Washington Post to promote her new book, Ms. Brown hinted that Meghan was enticed by the allure of celebrity perks.
Ms. Brown highlighted that despite Meghan and Harry’s interest in establishing a commercial front for their endeavors, their royal status restricted certain deals.
Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan showed enthusiasm for events like celebrity gifting suites, where actors could receive free items from businesses, potentially garnering media coverage opportunities.
In 2012, Meghan joined fellow cast members at the Curie-Feinstein Pre-Emmy Style Lounge, an event where brands paid platform fees to showcase themselves before celebrities, influencers, and the press.
Photos emerged of Meghan posing with a bear-decorated handbag and flipping through yoga facial books, indicating her active participation in celebrity gift lounges.
She continued this trend by attending the DPA Pre-Emmy Gift Lounge and Some Kind of Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge at Chateau Marmont, stocking up on beauty essentials in 2015 to perpetuate her affinity for exclusive gifting events.