The awkward reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's job at Oscars 2022 was scrapped

Plans for Harry and Meghan to present an award at the iconic awards show were changed to avoid potentially uncomfortable moment

Why Harry and Meghan's first job at Oscars 2022 was scrapped
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's original job at the Oscars 2022 was reportedly scrapped, over fears it could lead to an awkward moment for the iconic royal couple. 


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to present at the Oscars 2022 next Sunday, but it looks like the road to secure their attendance hasn't exactly been smooth-sailing. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have apparently accepted the honor of presenting the Academy Award for the Best Picture at the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles on March 27, marking their first-ever joint appearance at the iconic Hollywood event. 

The exciting news comes shortly after it was revealed that the couple would be skipping Prince Philip's memorial service in London on Tuesday, March 29. 

However, details of Harry and Meghan's responsibilities at the glitzy affair were reportedly amended to avoid the risk of an awkward moment between them and one particular A-list actor. 

Meghan and Harry

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's understood that the royal couple was initially asked to present the Academy Award for Best Actress—a role that would make perfect sense considering the Duchess' impressive career in TV and film career. The appointment was changed, however, after event organizers realized that Kristin Stewart was nominated in the prestigious category for her performance in Spencer—the 2021 historical film about Princess Diana. 

Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in the Spencer movie

Kristen Stewart played Princess Diana in Spencer 

(Image credit: Alamy/Topic studios)

It's unknown whether or not Meghan and Harry have seen the flick, but sources have said that the Duke was none too happy about its release.  

“He’s pretty appalled by the film," a royal insider told OK! US. 

Harry hasn't ruled out all Royal Family-inspired content, however. The Duke has previously admitted to seeing 'some' of the Netflix series, The Crown, which is based on the Queen's reign throughout the decades. 

"I am way more comfortable with The Crown than I am seeing stories written about my family or my wife," he said during an interview with James Corden last year. "That is obviously fiction, take it how you will. But this is being reported on as fact because you’re supposedly news. I have a real issue with that."

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.