PARK CITY, Utah — The Sussexes couldn’t pack Sundance.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan attended a screening of their new documentary, Cookie Queens, in Park City, Utah, on Sunday morning, and there were many empty seats at the Eccles Theater.
When the movie started, there were about 150 empty spaces left on the balcony, and a few more chairs scattered on the ground.
That number eventually swelled to about 60 people, and the lucky waiters gradually filled the empty seats reserved for high-priced pass holders (the coveted express badge costs $6,900), most of whom passed on the visiting royal.
“Cookie Queens,” which was enthusiastically received by the Park City crowd, is an endearing and heartwarming story about the journey of several precocious Girl Scouts from across the United States as they try to sell as many boxes of cookies as possible.
Tickets to special star-studded Sundance screenings are usually a hot item. It’s very difficult to get into them.
The night before, the same theater had hosted a crowded premiere of Olivia Wilde’s The Invite, starring Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton, and staff had to turn away about 100 actual ticket holders because seats had not been assigned.
Even a less glamorous horror movie called “Buddy,” starring Cristin Milioti and Topher Grace, left 40 people out in the cold at the library center at midnight Thursday.
Last week, other high-profile films starring Olivia Colman, Charlie
“Cookie Queens” had another Sundance premiere on Saturday in nearby Salt Lake City, with a surprise appearance by Prince Harry and Ms. Markle, and some special promotion.
Sunday’s Park City screening started about 10 minutes late, which is unusual for a festival with such a tight schedule.
And in a rare move for an executive producer at Sundance, Markle, 44, spoke on stage before the film’s screening. She suggested the mountain town may be hungover from Saturday’s boozy party.
“Thank you so much for coming so bright and early,” she said. “I’m sure some of you stayed late last night, but thank you very much for all your hard work.”
Before the lights went down, Harry, 41, walked around hugging people believed to be involved in the film.
“My husband and I, and Archewell Productions, are so proud and honored to support and promote ‘Cookie Queens,'” the “Suits” alum added.
The couple’s production company, which they founded in 2020, has taken a hit recently.
Its lifestyle show “With Love, Meghan” will not be returning for a third season on Netflix.
And last month, Page Six reported that only a few employees remain at the company.
