Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, made a notable appearance at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 24, 2026. The couple attended the world premiere of Cookie Queens, a documentary film they executive produced, marking their first public appearance together at the festival.
The documentary had its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2026. Directed by Alysa Nahmias and co-produced by Archewell Productions (the Sussexes’ media production company) in partnership with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films, Cookie Queens follows four young Girl Scouts as they strive to become top sellers of Girl Scout cookies during an iconic annual season.
First Sundance Appearance for the Sussexes
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s attendance at Sundance was widely covered by major publications, including People and other outlets reporting on the film’s screening and the couple’s red-carpet presence. Cookie Queens was shown in the festival’s Family Matinee category, positioning it as a film accessible to audiences of all ages.
Meghan Markle, 44, spoke publicly about how her personal experiences growing up as a Girl Scout influenced her involvement with the documentary. In interviews from the event, she referenced her time in the organization — noting that her own mother served as her troop leader, which helped instill in her the values of friendship, teamwork, and self-belief.
During discussions with the press, Meghan shared reflections on these experiences and how they informed her approach to the project. She said participation in Girl Scouts had helped her learn practical skills and build confidence from a young age, and she described Cookie Queens as a documentary that celebrates the young participants’ ambition and resilience.
A Personal Connection to the Documentary
Meghan’s remarks about her Girl Scout background were picked up by several outlets, reporting that she drew parallels between her experiences and the themes portrayed in Cookie Queens. She spoke about how childhood involvement in structured community activities can contribute positively to personal development and social skills, a perspective that resonates with the documentary’s broader narrative.
When asked about whether her daughter, Princess Lilibet, 4, might one day become involved in similar community activities like Girl Scouts, Meghan said the family would “continue to explore whatever feels right” for their children, emphasizing a flexible and supportive approach to parenting.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s role as executive producers reflects their continued interest in media projects that align with their values and storytelling goals. Cookie Queens is part of a slate of films and series the couple has supported since launching Archewell Productions, designed to amplify narratives that inspire and engage audiences around meaningful themes.
Premiere and Reception at Sundance
Cookie Queens runs approximately 91 minutes and explores the journeys of young Girl Scouts as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by one of the organization’s most well-known traditions: cookie sales. The film was greeted with audience applause at its Sundance screening, where families and festival attendees had the opportunity to view the documentary.
Though details such as box-office performance, festival awards, or distribution agreements have yet to be released publicly, the premiere has positioned Cookie Queens as a standout documentary within Sundance’s family programming lineup. Coverage emphasizes the film’s heartwarming portrayal of youth ambitions and teamwork rather than focusing solely on star appearances.
Sundance Appearance Context: Legal Case in London
The couple’s appearance in Utah came soon after Prince Harry returned from London, where he participated in a High Court legal case involving Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher behind the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. In early January 2026, Harry testified in his lawsuit alleging unlawful information gathering by the publisher — a case that has drawn attention from major news outlets.
During his testimony, Harry expressed the toll he said intrusive press coverage had taken on his family’s life. The case is among several media-related legal actions brought by the duke in recent years. The trial is ongoing, and representatives for ANL have denied the allegations.
Harry’s legal engagements did not prevent the couple from fulfilling their Sundance commitments, and both he and Meghan appeared together on the red carpet and at events connected to the documentary screening.
Meghan and Harry’s Public Statements on Cookie Queens
At Sundance, Meghan addressed the audience and press with remarks highlighting what the documentary represents. She described Cookie Queens as both a celebration of tradition and a reflection of the growth and determination of young Girl Scouts — young people learning leadership and entrepreneurship through participation in a widely recognized youth organization.
In her public remarks at the festival, Meghan said she and Harry felt “proud and privileged” to support a project that celebrates the creativity and drive of the film’s subjects. She noted that the documentary provides a window into the experiences of girls who are not only tackling sales goals but also learning valuable life lessons about confidence and perseverance.
Broader Significance of the Project
Cookie Queens explores themes that resonate with broader societal conversations about youth development, community involvement, and self-confidence. The film’s focus on young people striving to achieve goals within a structured, supportive environment reflects values parents and audiences often find meaningful.
Girl Scouts of the USA, which inspired the documentary’s premise, is a longstanding organization with a mission to build leadership and life skills among girls through a variety of programs, including outdoor activities, community service, and, notably, cookie sales — a tradition that raises funds and teaches practical business principles.
Harry and Meghan’s involvement in the project highlights the couple’s continued interest in media that tells human-centered stories. Through Archewell Productions, they have sought to back films and series that aim to uplift voices and perspectives that might otherwise be underrepresented in mainstream media.
Public and Media Reaction
Coverage of the Sundance premiere and the Sussexes’ involvement with Cookie Queens has been reported by reputable outlets such as People magazine and other entertainment news sources. Audience reaction at the screening was generally positive, focused on the storytelling and subject matter rather than solely on the couple’s attendance.
There has also been broader discussion around media attendance and reporting related to the festival event, with some online debate about audience turnout and press coverage. However, such discussions remain outside the scope of verified reporting from established news sources.
Looking Ahead
As of early 2026, Cookie Queens continues its screening run at Sundance, with plans for wider release and distribution still forthcoming. Festivals like Sundance often act as launchpads for documentaries to secure distribution deals, audience interest, and critical attention.
For Meghan and Harry, the project represents a blend of creative work and personal values — drawing on Meghan’s own experiences and aligning with the couple’s ongoing efforts to support storytelling that emphasizes positive, community-oriented themes.
Their Sundance appearance also underscores the varying ways public figures can engage with audiences beyond traditional roles, using media platforms to connect with broader cultural conversations and shared experiences.