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As you’ve probably heard by now, the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship since 1973 over the weekend.
Although the series wrapped in San Antonio instead of Manhattan, many of the stars were still in attendance, including Prince Harry, who made a surprise appearance.
But although Harry was certainly among the biggest names in attendance, the location of his seat raised some eyebrows among royal watchers.
Instead of rubbing shoulders with the celebrities who occupied the coveted seats in the stadium, Harry found himself sitting in the eighth row, while stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller enjoyed luxury real estate much closer to the action.
For a man who once stood on the balconies of Buckingham Palace before cheering crowds, eighth grade may not have been exactly what he had in mind.
Harry attended the match without Meghan Markle or the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Instead, he was accompanied by JB Lane, a US Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who is expected to compete in the upcoming Invictus Games.
The prince was reportedly already in San Antonio for the Warriors Games and was invited to attend the game by Silver.
In fact, Harry was sitting close to Silver during the match, which may explain why he wasn’t in the celebrity-packed section of the stadium.
However, social media users can’t help but notice the contrast.
While Chalamet, Steeler and other Knicks fans occupied the row of high-profile celebrities, Harry’s seat was several rows behind the action. And yes, many critics of the royal family immediately seized on this outlook.
Of course, Harry wasn’t the only recognizable face sitting outside the VIP section.
Sidney Sweeney, Scooter Braun and Billy Baldwin reportedly sat out of the stadium lights.
Knicks fan Spike Lee was also in attendance, and Harry’s haters claimed he snubbed the Duke of Sussex.
“If it had been a friendly interaction, Spike would have shaken Harry’s hand first, and not pointed at him,” one social media user wrote, according to GB News.
Another added: “Harry had reached Level 5 but when Spike ignored that Harry continued with his hand to touch his chest.”
But it seemed like Spike was just joking when he refused to take Harry’s hand. Seconds later, the two laughed and hugged.
The outing came just hours after another event that is likely to generate more headlines in royal circles.
Back in London, the royal family gathered for Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of King Charles’ official birthday. Harry and Meghan once again missed the celebrations, continuing a series of events dating back several years.
Instead of military parades and palace balconies, Harry spent Saturday night watching Texas basketball.
Even though he may not have been able to get a seat in the stadium, he still managed to get people talking.
