Actress Mindy Carling took a playful jab at Prince Harry in a recent Instagram post, teasing him about his book during a chance encounter at a work event.
The star of “The Mindy Project” shared a photo on Thursday, showing her with her arm around the Duke of Sussex, where she humorously referred to him as the husband of her friend who wrote a less-than-stellar book.
Carling, who is a close friend of Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, crossed paths with the royal at a BetterUp summit in San Francisco.
Both Carling and Harry were guest speakers at the event, where they engaged in discussions on various topics.
Interestingly, Meghan opted not to attend the summit, reportedly to avoid being overshadowed by Harry’s presence and the ensuing media attention.
During the event, Carling also provided glimpses behind the scenes, sharing snaps from backstage, including a peek into a dressing room.
She exuded elegance in an expensive Libertine cardigan, paired with black jeans and stylish red suede heels, while Harry sported a more casual look with a grey blazer over a white shirt and dark jeans.
Social media users noticed Meghan’s estranged friend, Jessica Mulroney, reacting to Carling’s post with a heart emoji.
Mulroney, who befriended Meghan during her time filming “Suits” in Toronto, had previously been vocal in her support for the Duchess.
However, their friendship reportedly soured in 2020, leading to speculation about their current relationship.
Carling’s light-hearted jest at Harry’s expense garnered mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Some found amusement in the playful banter, with one commenter jokingly referring to Harry as “Meghan Markle’s husband.”
However, others criticized Carling for participating in what they perceived as a publicity stunt orchestrated by Harry.
Critics questioned the authenticity of Carling’s friendship with Meghan, highlighting the disparity between her interactions with Harry and her purported closeness to the Duchess.
Some expressed disappointment in Carling for aligning herself with the royal couple, suggesting that it reflected poorly on her reputation in Hollywood.
The online discourse surrounding Carling’s interaction with Harry underscored the ongoing fascination with the dynamics within the royal circle and their connections to celebrities.
While some viewed Carling’s jest as harmless banter, others interpreted it as a strategic move to garner attention and align herself with the royal couple’s public image.
As the debate rages on social media platforms, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity friendships and the scrutiny that accompanies interactions with high-profile figures.
Carling’s lighthearted dig at Harry has sparked discussions about the nature of relationships in the entertainment industry and the blurred lines between personal connections and public personas.