Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first appearance at the Sundance Film Festival this week, attending a special screening of the new documentary Cookie Queens in Park City, Utah. The couple walked the red carpet on Sunday, January 25, marking their debut at the high-profile event.
During the premiere, Meghan spoke to People magazine and shared a light-hearted memory when asked about her favourite Girl Scout cookie. Smiling, she said Thin Mints had always been her top choice.
“It’s such a classic,” Meghan explained. “When I was a Girl Scout, it was always the one that sold the fastest, so I think you remember it for that reason too.”
She added jokingly, “I don’t know if you’re supposed to, but it’s certainly a nice plus.”
What began as a casual and nostalgic moment quickly took a different turn. According to royal commentator Rob Shuter, insiders claim the couple’s appearance unintentionally stirred controversy, with some people linked to Girl Guides feeling uncomfortable about the attention.
“They literally cannot help themselves. They always step in it,” one festival-goer reportedly said after the screening.
Another attendee was blunt in their assessment, claiming, “I honestly don’t think they watched the documentary.”
Sources told Shuter that the film highlighted issues they felt were being overlooked, and that Meghan and Harry seemed unaware of how their presence could be interpreted.
“It’s exploitation hiding in plain sight,” one insider said. “And let’s be honest, the Sussexes seemed completely clueless that the film showed that.”
The expert also claims members of the Girl Guides community are upset, saying they feel exposed and blindsided by what looked like a high-profile endorsement.
“This was not the support they expected,” another source said. “They feel pushed into a spotlight they never asked for.”
One insider summed up the situation with a familiar line that often follows the couple. “Everything they touch turns controversial. That’s not always a bad thing if it’s deliberate. This time, it clearly wasn’t.”
