At a Glance
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attended the Sundance Film Festival to support the documentary Cookie Queens.
- They appeared on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 for a special screening and on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 for the official premiere.
- Meghan wore friendship bracelets at both events, emphasizing the film’s message.
- Why it matters: The couple’s presence highlights the documentary’s cultural relevance and the continued engagement of the Sussexes with public causes.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first appearance at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend to champion Cookie Queens, a documentary that follows four Girl Scouts through their annual cookie sale. The event took place in Park City, Utah, where the couple was photographed and interviewed by the festival press.
Sundance Screening and Premiere
On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, Meghan and Harry attended a private screening of the film. The following day, they joined the audience for the official premiere. During the premiere, the duo posed with director Alysa Nahmias and several Girl Scouts featured in the documentary.
At the premiere, Meghan addressed the audience, saying, “Yes, it’s probably the cutest film at the festival,” she told the audience. “But I’m also going to go out on a limb and say it’s one of the most powerful and meaningful depictions of an American tradition.”
The film itself charts the cookie-selling journey of four Scouts, capturing the camaraderie and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the organization for decades. Alysa Nahmias explained the film’s intent: “For me, as a mom – and with my kids asking me to make a film that they and their friends would really want to watch – I hope it sparks conversations about what it means to grow up today, and opens up questions that can be difficult to have,” Nahmias said. “About the pressures that kids can feel from parents and society, especially girls – how we’re perceived, what our value is, and how we participate in the economy and in society.”
Meghan echoed Nahmias’ sentiment, adding, “There’s nothing you can add to that. It’s the most perfect answer because it’s so true. That’s what she’s created with this. It’s incredible filmmaking, and I can’t wait for you to see it. I think people are going to love it.”
Friendship Bracelet Highlights
During the Saturday event, Meghan was seen comparing friendship bracelets with a young woman who held a multi-colored beaded band. The next day, on the streets of Park City, she lifted her arm to wave, revealing another bracelet with white beads on a neon green string.
The bracelets became a visual motif for the couple’s message about community and support. Meghan noted that the cute factor of the bracelets should not detract from the film’s deeper themes.
Key Moments
- Meghan wore a multi-colored beaded bracelet on Saturday.
- She wore a white-bead neon-green bracelet on Sunday.
- Both bracelets were displayed prominently during the film’s promotion.
The Documentary’s Message
Cookie Queens aims to showcase the significance of Girl Scouts’ cookie sales as an American tradition. The film follows the Scouts through the season, illustrating how the activity fosters leadership, teamwork, and financial literacy.
Meghan highlighted her personal connection to the tradition, stating, “It’s such a classic,” she said with a smile. “And as a Girl Scout, it was always the one that sold the fastest, so I think you remember it for that reason too.”
The film’s premiere was accompanied by a discussion panel that included the director, the Scouts, and the Sussexes, who spoke about the importance of empowering young girls in society.
Invictus Games Bracelet Moment
Meghan’s affinity for friendship bracelets extends beyond Sundance. At the 2023 Invictus Games in Duesseldorf, Germany, she wore a bracelet that read “I Am Invictus.” The bracelet was given to her by a competitor who could not attend the event.
During the “Friends @ Home Event” on Sept. 12, 2023, Meghan addressed the crowd, saying, “So many people at home are rooting for you,” Meghan told the crowd at the Invictus “Friends @ Home Event” on Sept. 12, 2023. “Thank you, and look forward to a fantastic week. I can’t wait until one day to bring our kids so they can experience how fantastic it is.”
The bracelet moment reinforced the couple’s commitment to supporting wounded and disabled military veterans, aligning with the Invictus Games’ mission.
Key Takeaways
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry used their platform to support Cookie Queens at Sundance.
- Their friendship bracelet appearances underscored themes of community and empowerment.
- The documentary highlights the Girl Scouts’ cookie sale as a meaningful American tradition.
- Meghan’s past bracelet gesture at the Invictus Games shows a consistent advocacy for veteran causes.
- The couple’s involvement brings heightened visibility to both the film and the causes they champion.
By attending the festival and engaging with the film’s message, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reaffirmed their role as advocates for youth empowerment and community support.
