Meghan Markle was a no-show at a concert while Prince Harry took centre stage.
The Duke of Sussex attended the Santa Barbara One805Live! annual event, raising money for first responders across the county.
Harry presented an award onstage to local helicopter pilot Loren Courtney, soon after he arrived at 7pm.
The father-of-two joked about how they both felt more at home behind the controls of a helicopter than onstage.
Also performing at the event were Pink, 1980s star Richard Marx and Kevin Costner, who hosted the event.
Harry’s wife Meghan was notably absent due to a reported sickness.
A source at the event said: “We were all hoping Meghan would attend like she did last year but the word is that she is sick and could not make it.”
Harry is expected to travel to New York over the weekend to attend a series of events including the Diana Awards and an event held by the Halo Trust which Diana worked with before she died.
Prince Harry attended the One805Live Fall Concert
Getty
His older brother, Prince William, may also be in New York for an Earthshot event in the coming days.
The Earthshot Prize and Bloomberg Philanthropies will co-host the third Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on September 24, 2024, in New York City.
It is not known if the two brothers are planning to meet whilst staying in the same city.
Prince Harry may have an opportunity to reunite with William and his father, King Charles, later this month.
Meghan Markle is understood to have been ‘under the weather’
Reuters
Prince Harry presenting an award to Santa Barbara County Air Support Pilot Loren Courtney during the One805Live Fall ConcertGetty
This is because the duke is due to return to the UK for the WellChild Awards on September 30.
The 40-year-old confirmed his attendance in a statement, saying: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.
“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all.
“It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”