David Foster sets the record straight after claims he ‘snubbed’ Meghan Markle on the red carpet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first feature film, Cookie Queens, failed to make the top ten box office earners during its opening weekend, earning less than £260,000 in the United States. The documentary, produced by the couple's Archewell Productions, follows the fundraising efforts of U.S. Girl Scouts through cookie sales and was released in 446 theaters nationwide. Despite the royal couple's involvement and promotional efforts, the film was outperformed by CatVideoFest 2026, a compilation of the world's best cat videos, which grossed approximately £420,000. Cookie Queens premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City in January, where Meghan Markle gave a speech endorsing the project. Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the film was promoted as a coming-of-age story highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of young girls. However, early reports suggest the film struggled to attract wide audiences. According to Box Office Mojo, each showing generated roughly £600 in revenue, indicating limited public interest. Industry insiders expressed disappointment with the film's performance. A source quoted by the Times of London remarked that the film's earnings were "pretty pitiful," especially considering it faced competition from the popular CatVideoFest 2026. The latter, though shown in 191 fewer theaters, managed to secure a higher position on the box office chart, finishing in tenth place compared to Cookie Queens' twelfth spot. Despite the lukewarm reception, the independent distributor Roadside Attractions, which handled the film's theatrical release, remained optimistic. A spokesperson for the company told Deadline that the film had found success among current and former Girl Scouts, stating, "We’re encouraged by the response and believe the film has a long life ahead as it continues to reach its many audiences." Critics have offered mixed assessments of the film. Variety described Cookie Queens as "too much of a reality-show ramble," noting that while it focused on the business side of Girl Scout cookie sales, it lacked depth beyond that. Owen Gleiberman, a prominent film critic, criticized the film for lacking emotional resonance, comparing it briefly to the classic labor rights drama Norma Rae before dismissing it as a shallow portrayal of young female entrepreneurship. At the Sundance premiere, Meghan Markle praised the film as a "powerful and meaningful depiction of something that is an American tradition." She emphasized the importance of showcasing the complexities of girlhood and the potential of young women to become leaders. "It is now put through this lens from the incredible creative vision of Alysa to show something modernised about the girlhood experience and all the layers of complexity that come with that," she stated. Meghan also highlighted the humor and charm of the young actresses in the film, acknowledging their talent and the emotional impact of the production. She noted that the project had initially captured her attention due to its honest portrayal of everyday life and the warmth it brought to her as a parent. "The music, the cinematography, the honesty. It made both of us laugh out loud and also feel such emotion as parents. We knew we wanted to help uplift this project in any way we could," she added. As the film continues to screen in select venues and potentially reach new audiences through streaming platforms, its legacy will depend on how effectively it connects with viewers beyond its initial theatrical run. For now, Cookie Queens remains a notable but modest entry in the careers of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.