Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended Game 4 of the World Series in prime front-row seats, positioned ahead of baseball legend Sandy Koufax and Lakers icon Magic Johnson, which ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans who deemed the seating arrangement disrespectful to sports royalty.
The event unfolded on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where the Los Angeles Dodgers clashed with the Toronto Blue Jays in a pivotal World Series matchup. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were among a constellation of celebrities gracing the occasion, but their placement in the first row immediately captured widespread attention. Broadcast cameras frequently panned to the couple throughout the game, underscoring their high-profile status. Despite the electrifying atmosphere of the championship series, their presence quickly became a source of controversy rather than celebration.
Seated directly behind Harry and Meghan were Sandy Koufax, a Hall of Fame pitcher renowned for his 12-season career with the Dodgers, and Magic Johnson, a part-owner of the team and a basketball legend. This hierarchical seating surprised many observers, as Koufax and Johnson are revered figures in the sports community. Photographs and videos circulating online vividly depicted the Sussexes in superior seats to these icons, prompting questions about how the couple, who have stepped back from royal duties, secured such preferential treatment over established sports heroes.
Social media platforms erupted with outrage almost instantly after the game commenced. Users on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their displeasure, with one commenter stating, ‘Sandy Koufax is TRUE royalty! Those two clowns should be behind him.’ Others derisively labeled Harry and Meghan as ‘grifters’ and speculated that financial incentives or connections might have facilitated their prime positioning. The backlash extended beyond digital spaces; some attendees at the stadium audibly booed when the couple appeared on the Jumbotron, reflecting a tangible discontent among the live audience.
Despite the wave of criticism, Harry and Meghan appeared composed, engaging in cordial conversations with Koufax and posing for photographs with Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie. They sported nearly identical outfits: blue Dodgers caps, white shirts, and blue cardigans, signaling their support for the home team. Meghan later shared a group photo on her Instagram story, further amplifying their visibility at the event. These interactions seemed aimed at fostering a connection with the sports community, yet they did little to mitigate the public outcry over the seating dispute.
The couple’s decision to endorse the Dodgers also drew scrutiny, given Meghan’s historical ties to Toronto, where she resided while filming ‘Suits,’ and Harry’s past connections to Canada through military training and the Invictus Games. Critics highlighted old images of Meghan wearing a Blue Jays cap, accusing her of inconsistency and opportunism. This narrative reinforced perceptions of the Sussexes as figures more focused on public image than genuine sports fandom, adding fuel to the controversy and deepening the divide in public opinion.
This incident highlights the persistent public scrutiny faced by Harry and Meghan since their relocation to the United States and departure from the British royal family. Their public appearances are often dissected in detail, and this event underscores the challenges they encounter in balancing their new roles with public expectations. The seating controversy has sparked broader conversations about celebrity privilege, the reverence for sports legends, and the evolving dynamics of modern royalty. It also reflects ongoing tensions in how their actions are interpreted by diverse audiences.
As of now, neither the Los Angeles Dodgers nor representatives for the Sussexes have issued public statements addressing the seating arrangements. The fallout from this episode may influence the couple’s future public engagements, as event organizers could become more cautious about their placement to avoid similar backlash. For sports enthusiasts, it serves as a poignant reminder of the deep emotional bonds people share with athletic icons and the importance of honoring such figures in high-stakes settings.