Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Make Stunning First Joint Appearance at Sundance
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first-ever appearance at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, January 24. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Utah for the world premiere of their latest documentary, Cookie Queens, which is screening in the festival’s Family Matinee category. At the high-profile event, the couple posed for photos with Amy Redford, the daughter of the late festival founder Robert Redford, as well as the film’s director Alysa Nahmias.
The 91-minute documentary, produced in partnership with Archewell Productions, follows four young Girl Scouts as they navigate the high-stakes world of cookie-selling season. The film offers an intimate look at the ambition and teamwork required to succeed in what is described as an $800 million industry. Think future Supreme Court justices, CEOs and beyond, Sundance programmer Stephanie Owens noted of the film’s young subjects.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first-ever appearance at the Sundance Film Festival as they stepped out in Utah ahead of the premiere of their latest documentary, Cookie Queens. pic.twitter.com/H8CqafYNxH
— SMART VERSION (@Learningextra) January 25, 2026
The project holds deep personal meaning for Meghan, who was a Girl Scout herself while growing up in California. Her mother, Doria Ragland, even served as her troop leader during those formative years. In an April 2025 Instagram post, Meghan reflected on her early entrepreneurial roots, writing, Being an entrepreneur can start young, alongside childhood photos of herself selling the iconic cookies.
This festive appearance comes just days after Prince Harry returned from London, where he delivered emotional testimony in his final lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited. Harry is part of a group of high-profile claimants, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, who allege the publisher used unlawful information gathering tactics to spy on them for decades. During his testimony on January 21, the Duke spoke with visible emotion about the toll the press scrutiny has taken on his family.
By standing up here and taking a stand against them, this has continued to come after me, Harry told the court, his voice cracking during the proceedings. And they have made my wife’s life an absolute misery. The publisher of the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday has consistently denied these allegations, calling them “preposterous.”
While Harry handles his ongoing legal battles, the couple is also busy restructuring their professional team for 2026. They have recently reunited with the bicoastal public relations firm Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis to support Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, and their various U.S.-based initiatives. This move follows the departure of their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, in late 2025.
In addition to Cookie Queens, Meghan is reportedly focused on expanding her lifestyle brand and her Lemonada Media podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. Rumors also suggest that while her Netflix series With Love, Meghan does not currently have plans for a third season, the Duchess is exploring several new unscripted projects for the streamer. Prince Harry is expected to continue his advocacy for veterans through the Invictus Games, with the next event slated for early 2027.
The Sussexes’ involvement in Cookie Queens was first announced in December 2025, and its Sundance debut marks a significant milestone in their shift toward family-oriented storytelling. The documentary is set to have several additional screenings throughout the festival week, ending on February 1. As they settle into their new professional rhythm, the couple remains committed to spotlighting themes of female empowerment and social justice through their production house.
Do you think the move toward family-friendly documentaries like Cookie Queens marks a more sustainable and positive creative direction for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex? Share your thoughts in the comments.
