The 2024 MLB All-Star Game was shaping up to be a star-studded event, both on and off the field, as the League’s top players prepared to showcase their talents in front of a global audience. The pregame festivities were set to be just as captivating, one of the highly anticipated moments being the traditional red carpet walk, where players and their significant others would strut their stuff for the cameras.
However, one young baseball superstar decided to buck the trend and stay true to his roots, much to the chagrin of a high-profile royal. Gunnar Henderson, the promising Baltimore Orioles infielder, was set to attend the All-Star festivities with his fiancée, Katherine Lee. But when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reached out with a special request, Henderson politely yet firmly declined.
The backstory begins a few weeks prior to the All-Star game, as the event’s organizers were finalizing the guest list and logistics for the red carpet walk. A surprising name emerged on the list of VIP attendees: Meghan Markle, the former American actress who married into the British royal family in 2018, had become a global celebrity in her own right, using her platform to advocate for various social causes. Apparently, Meghan had become enamored with the rise of Gunnar Henderson, who had burst onto the MLB scene in 2023 with a sensational rookie campaign. She saw the young player’s story as the perfect opportunity to raise her own profile and continue her philanthropic efforts.
Meghan reached out to Gunner’s team and asked if she could walk the red carpet with him and Catherine. A source close to the situation revealed she pitched it as a chance to highlight their relationship and bring more attention to their joint charitable work. But Gunnar was having none of it.
Henderson, it turns out, is a fiercely private individual who has purposely kept his personal life out of the spotlight despite his rapid ascent to stardom. The 22-year-old has remained grounded and committed to maintaining his humble, small-town roots. “Gunner grew up in a tight-knit community in Alabama,” the source continued. “He’s always been the kind of guy who just wants to go about his business and not get caught up in all the fame and glamour.”
The idea of walking the red carpet with Meghan Markle of all people really didn’t sit well with him. When Meghan’s request was relayed to Henderson, he quickly shut it down in a polite but firm response. He thanked the Duchess for the invitation but made it clear that he and Katherine would be walking the red carpet alone. “Gunner told them that he appreciated Megan’s interest, but that the red carpet was something he and Catherine had been looking forward to doing together,” the source said. “He said it was important for them to have that moment to themselves without any additional distractions or attention-seekers.”
Meghan, known for her unwavering confidence and persistence, was reportedly taken aback by Henderson’s refusal. She attempted to sweeten the deal, offering to use her global platform to shine a light on the couple’s charitable initiatives. But Gunner stood his ground, unwilling to compromise his principles. “Megan really tried to convince him, but Gunnar wasn’t budging,” the source revealed. “He told her that he and Katherine were perfectly capable of promoting their own causes and that he didn’t need her or anyone else to do it for them.”
As the All-Star Game weekend approached, the buzz around Gunnar and Catherine’s red carpet appearance only grew. Fans and media alike were eager to see the young couple make their grand entrance, and many wondered if Megan would somehow find a way to insert herself into the moment.
But when the big day arrived, Gunner and Katherine arrived at the venue hand in hand, radiating an infectious joy and confidence. They posed for photographers, waved to the adoring crowd, and basked in the spotlight all without any royal interference. Gunner and Katherine were the stars of the show. “They looked amazing, they were so in love, and they just exuded this incredible energy that had everyone captivated,” the source said. “It was a real ‘take that’ moment to Megan and anyone else who thought they could try to overshadow them.”
In the aftermath of the event, the reaction to Gunner’s decision has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans and pundits alike have praised the young player for staying true to himself and not succumbing to the allure of celebrity. “Gunner Henderson is the kind of athlete we need more of in sports,” wrote one prominent sports columnist. “He’s humble, he’s grounded, and he’s not afraid to put his values first, even when faced with pressure from someone as powerful as Megan Markle. That kind of integrity is rare, and it’s refreshing to see.”
As for Gunner and Catherine, they’re simply happy to have shared their special moment together without any unwanted distractions. They’ve continued to keep their heads down, focusing on their relationship, their charity work, and Gunner’s burgeoning MLB career. At the end of the day, Gunner just wanted to walk the red carpet with the woman he loves. “He didn’t need Megan Markle or anyone else to validate that moment for him,” the source said, “and that’s exactly why he’s become such a beloved figure, not just in Baltimore, but across the entire baseball world.”
