The couple stepped out at a star-studded Netflix event in Montecito just hours after news broke of Harry’s latest legal battle

Image© Getty Images for Netflix

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on a united front as they stepped out for a glamorous Netflix event in Montecito on Friday night,  just hours after news broke of Harry’s latest legal drama.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were among the high-profile guests attending Netflix’s BEEF Season 2 Montecito Tastemaker event, held at a private residence in their hometown of Montecito, California.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Nicole Avant, and Ted Sarandos © Getty Images for Netflix
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Nicole Avant, and Ted Sarandos

Throughout the evening, the couple appeared relaxed and in good spirits as they posed for photos with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and his wife, Nicole Avant.

In one snap, Meghan smiled beside Ted, while another showed the Duchess warmly embracing Nicole, highlighting the couple’s close ties with some of Hollywood’s biggest power players.

Meghan and Nicole Avant attend Netflix's BEEF season 2 Montecito Tastemaker© Getty Images for Netflix
Meghan and Nicole Avant attend Netflix’s BEEF season 2 Montecito Tastemaker

The Sussexes also mingled with a host of A-list stars, including Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau, Oscar Isaac, Charles Melton and Nick Kroll.

Their glamorous outing came on the same day it emerged that Harry is facing a new legal challenge involving Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex with Ted Sarandos © Getty Images for Netflix
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex with Ted Sarandos

According to newly revealed court filings, Sentebale lodged a defamation claim against Harry last month in the High Court. It has not yet been confirmed whether the claim relates to libel or slander.

Harry’s longtime friend and former Sentebale trustee Mark Dyer has also reportedly been named in the legal action.

Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and Charles Melton were also in attendance at the private event© Getty Images for Netflix
Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and Charles Melton were also in attendance at the private event

The charity’s board of trustees have claimed the move was prompted by what they described as a “co-ordinated adverse media campaign” that allegedly caused “operational disruption and reputational harm”. No further details about the nature of the claims have yet been made public.

Prince Harry looking downbeat as he walks with an umbrella held over him© Getty Images
The charity was co-founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso

Despite the fresh legal cloud hanging over Harry, the Sussexes appeared determined not to let the news overshadow their evening, with the pair looking polished and upbeat as they enjoyed the intimate industry gathering.

The event also comes as Harry and Meghan continue to deepen their relationship with Netflix, with several projects already released through their multi-million dollar deal with the streaming giant.