Mom and dad's night out or staged paparazzi encounter? When it comes to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's date night this week, it appears many people believe it was a PR stunt more than anything else, especially considering that they stepped out on the town just as news broke they've been evicted from their UK home base, Frogmore Cottage.
Meghan and Harry were spotted out in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
The couple was photographed arriving at San Vicente Bungalows — a private, members-only club in LA that costs $4,200 a year to belong to, as Express reported. Meghan was beaming in the paparazzi photos that surfaced from their date night, so it seems they were having a fun time away from kids Archie and Lili.
Now, it appears people think the date was a PR stunt.
Express spoke with members of the public in the US to get a feel for what the opinion is on Meghan and Harry, and it sounds like people simply aren't interested in their outing.
"Well, since we know the paparazzi that took the picks are on speed dial, it was all a PR stunt," one woman named Pam from New Jersey told the news outlet. "Why go to eat two hours from your home? On a weeknight. Where are your kids? Everything with them is a stunt."
Yet another person said that this date night didn't echo the couple's hopes for privacy in America.
Their date night came just as news broke about their UK residence.
Earlier this week, royal expert Omid Scobie reported that King Charles has asked Meghan and Harry to leave Frogmore Cottage, which was originally a wedding gift to the couple from Queen Elizabeth.
Harry and Meghan are believed to be quite upset and even "stunned" by his request, especially after they paid for renovations in the home along with monthly rent.
Reportedly, Charles plans to turn the keys over to his disgraced brother, Prince Andrew.
The reports were confirmed later that day.
In a statement issued to People (along with other news outlets), a representative from Meghan and Harry's Archewell foundation said, "We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage."
A big bummer for them — even though they were still smiling as usual during their date.
It's not yet clear what happens next for Meghan and Harry.
According to reports, they have until a few weeks after King Charles' coronation in May to empty out the cottage of all of their belongings, but where they will establish a residence in the UK — if anywhere — is yet to be determined.
And so the royal drama continues …
