Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Step Out in N.Y.C. After TIME100 Summit, Joining a Star-Studded Week in the Big Apple

April 24, 2025 — New York City was abuzz with celebrity sightings this week, and at the heart of it all were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who made a rare public appearance together in Midtown on April 23. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted exiting a building following Meghan’s keynote speech at the TIME100 Summit, an event that drew global leaders and influential figures to the city. Their outing, captured in a post by People on X, coincided with a wave of A-list activity in N.Y.C., including appearances by Miley Cyrus, Ryan Reynolds, and more, making it a glamorous week in the Big Apple.

A Royal Appearance Amid a High-Profile Event

The TIME100 Summit, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025, brought together some of the world’s most impactful voices, with Meghan Markle serving as a keynote speaker alongside notable figures like Ryan Reynolds, Nikki Glaser, and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos (InStyle). The summit, which historically emphasizes leadership and climate action—previous events featured speakers like Tim Cook and Bill Gates (time100summit.com, 2023)—provided a fitting platform for Meghan, who has increasingly focused on advocacy and philanthropy since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

Prince Harry and Meghan’s appearance in Midtown was a rare joint outing for the couple, who have often been reported to pursue separate engagements in recent months. Just earlier this year, Meghan left the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver early due to prior commitments, while Harry stayed for the event’s closure (The Times of India). The Invictus Games, a cause close to Harry’s heart, have been a recurring point of focus for the couple, though their public appearances together have become less frequent. Their last notable joint moment prior to this week was a Veteran’s Day video in November 2024 (The Economic Times), making their N.Y.C. stroll a refreshing sight for fans of the royal pair.

Dressed stylishly for the occasion, Harry and Meghan were photographed by The Hapa Blonde/GC Images as they exited the building, with Meghan’s poised elegance and Harry’s casual charm on full display. The couple’s appearance came just a day before the TIME100 Gala, set for April 24 and hosted by Snoop Dogg, though it remains unclear if they attended the star-studded event (InStyle).

A Star-Studded Week in N.Y.C.

The royals weren’t the only ones lighting up New York City this week. On the same day, Miley Cyrus was spotted strutting through Long Island City, exuding glamour in a glowing ensemble (People). Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds, known for his charisma both on and off screen, waved to cameras while taking a walk in the city, adding to the celebrity buzz (People). The engaged couple Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse also joined the scene, opting for a low-key romantic stroll on April 21, while Demi Moore attended the TIME100 Summit with her tiny dog Pilaf in tow, later visiting the Broadway production The Picture of Dorian Gray (People).

N.Y.C.’s streets weren’t the only places buzzing with star power. The city hosted a slew of high-profile events, from Broadway openings like Stranger Things: The First Shadow—attended by stars like Christopher Meloni and Brooke Shields—to screenings such as The Accountant 2 with Jon Bernthal and Ben Affleck (People). Penn Badgley was also in the mix, promoting his podcast Podcrushed at a 92NY event and engaging in a You activation at Mooney’s bookstore (People). Meanwhile, Demi Lovato performed at the Caron Treatment Centers’ New York Gala, and Helena Christensen attended the LYMA Laser Pro US launch, further cementing N.Y.C.’s status as a celebrity hotspot that week (People).

Reactions and Reflections

The X post by People sharing Harry and Meghan’s outing sparked varied reactions online. One user, Powell Washington (@powellwashiontn), responded with a generous offer, writing, “As a millionaire living my best life, I’m giving $15k to the first 20 people who message me ‘grace.’ I understand that many people are struggling with bills, and I want to help ease that burden. Stay blessed y’all .” While the authenticity of such claims on social media can be uncertain, the sentiment reflects a positive response to the visibility of high-profile figures like Harry and Meghan.

However, not all reactions were glowing. A user named @Dawnsl8 expressed frustration, commenting, “So SICK of these poor me victim losers that obviously @WME makes you add them…..no one cares!!!!!!” The polarized response underscores the ongoing public scrutiny the couple faces, a dynamic that has followed them since their departure from royal life and their move to the United States.

A Pattern of Independence and Collaboration

Harry and Meghan’s N.Y.C. appearance highlights a balance they’ve struck between independent pursuits and collaborative moments. Meghan’s role as a keynote speaker at the TIME100 Summit aligns with her history of advocacy, notably her past involvement in TIME100 Talks, such as the 2020 edition she and Harry hosted on “Engineering a Better World,” featuring guests like Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian (InStyle). Meanwhile, Harry’s commitment to the Invictus Games, an initiative he founded to support wounded veterans, remains a cornerstone of his public work, even as he and Meghan navigate their roles outside the royal framework (The Times of India).

Their time in N.Y.C. also reflects the city’s enduring appeal as a stage for both royalty and Hollywood. The TIME100 Summit, with its focus on global issues, provided a meaningful backdrop for their appearance, while the surrounding celebrity sightings—Miley Cyrus’ stylish strut, Ryan Reynolds’ friendly wave, and Broadway’s glittering events—painted a picture of a city alive with star power.

Looking Ahead

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to carve out their post-royal path, their N.Y.C. outing serves as a reminder of their ability to command attention, whether together or apart. Whether they attended the TIME100 Gala on April 24 remains to be seen, but their presence in the city, alongside other luminaries, underscores their ongoing relevance in global conversations.

For now, fans can look forward to more glimpses of the couple’s journey—perhaps at another high-profile event or through their ongoing charitable endeavors. As N.Y.C. recovers from its star-studded week, one thing is clear: the Big Apple remains a fitting stage for royalty, Hollywood, and everyone in between.