Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Debut at Sundance Film Festival
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, celebrating the premiere of the documentary “Cookie Queens.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are executive producers through their company Archewell Productions, attended a special screening on Saturday night before its official release on Sunday morning.
Directed by Alyssa Nahmias, “Cookie Queens” follows four Girl Scouts as they navigate childhood ambitions, entrepreneurship, and the pressures that come with growing up, all set against the backdrop of the famously competitive cookie season.
For both events, the couple chose laid-back, cozy outfits that suited the snowy festival vibe. At the screening, Markle wore an all-black outfit consisting of a sweater, flared jeans, and pointed ankle boots. Harry opted for green jeans paired with a black long-sleeved shirt and a matching puffer jacket, completing his look with brown boots.
The couple posed for photos on the red carpet alongside Amy Redford, daughter of the late actor and Sundance co-founder Robert Redford, and Eugene Hernandez, the festival director. Markle was later seen in a long brown coat, engaging with several Girl Scouts who participated in the documentary. The special screening occurred at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City.
The following morning, they returned for the documentary’s premiere at the Eccles Center Theater in Park City, attracting attention once more. Markle sported a navy trench coat over a white sweater, completing her look with black wide-leg jeans and boots, while Harry chose navy jeans and layered a down jacket over a white shirt.
Both appeared joyful as they took pictures with Nahmias, Chanel Pisnik from Archewell, and Kim Yutani, Sundance’s programming director, eventually joining the cast and crew for a group photo.
Markle surprised the audience by stepping on stage to give a speech before the screening. After being introduced as a “very special guest,” she began her address by thanking everyone for attending early in the morning, joking that coffee and cookies wouldn’t do anyone good.
She expressed pride in supporting “Cookie Queens,” describing it as not only one of the cutest films at the festival but also a significant portrayal of an American tradition, blending nostalgia with modern perspectives on girlhood. She pointed out, “Yes, these girls are adorable, but they’re also complex individuals aiming to be strong leaders.”
Markle went on to acknowledge the hard work of the Archewell team and the filmmakers. She said, “This film has been a labor of love,” before she warmly embraced Nahmias on stage. “Cookie Queens,” featured in Sundance’s Family Matinee section, received one of the longest standing ovations during the festival.
In an interview on the red carpet, Markle shared her favorite Girl Scout cookie, citing “Thin Mints” as a classic choice that has always been a quickest seller during her own Girl Scout days.
Reflecting on working with Prince Harry on this project, Markle expressed gratitude for being considered and connected to such meaningful work over the past couple of years. She noted, “What’s special about this movie is that even if you’re not a Girl Scout, it tackles relatable themes of family, community, and the challenges of growing up as a girl.” She touched on the universal pressures young girls face, promoting a message of understanding and support.
While discussing upcoming projects, she mentioned her wishes to collaborate with creators who possess strong perspectives and find ways to support them. Overall, this event marked a significant moment for Harry and Meghan as they stepped into the spotlight once again, this time highlighting a heartfelt narrative of growth and connection.
