The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly less concerned by Harry attending alone than by where he was seated during a high-profile NBA Finals appearance.

23:14, Mon, Jun 15, 2026 Updated: 23:14, Mon, Jun 15, 2026

2026 NBA Finals - Game Five

Prince Harry's appearance at the NBA Finals reportedly sparked frustration behind the scenes (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry's appearance at Game 5 of the NBA Finals without Meghan Markle reportedly did not bother the Duchess of Sussex, but his seating arrangement allegedly did.

According to gossip columnist Rob Shuter, Meghan was unimpressed after Harry, 41, was spotted sitting several rows back rather than courtside at the showpiece basketball event.

The Duke of Sussex attended the game as the New York Knicks took on the San Antonio Spurs in Texas, but was seated in the eighth row rather than amongst the celebrity guests closest to the court.

A source told Shuter's Naughty But Nice Substack: "Meghan notices everything when it comes to image.

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"To her, seating is status. It's not just about watching a game — it's about who sees you watching the game."

The insider claimed Meghan viewed the seating plan as a reflection of status, particularly when other high-profile figures were positioned courtside.

While celebrities including Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller were seated closer to the action, the source alleged Meghan felt Harry should have been afforded similar treatment.

The source claimed: "Meghan believes Harry is one of the most recognizable men in the world. When he's sitting behind celebrities instead of beside them, she sees it as a message.

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"Meghan knows Prince William and Princess Kate would have been offered front-row treatment."

However, a separate source claimed Harry was far less concerned about where he was sitting and instead simply enjoyed the occasion.

"Harry loved the game and barely gave the seating a second thought," the insider told Shuter.

"That's the difference between them. He sees a basketball game. Meghan sees a brand.

"Image is everything to Meghan. She believes every appearance sends a message. In her world, where you sit matters almost as much as who's playing."