HELLO, HOLLYWOOD!

The Sussexes seem quite at home among the stars of Tinseltown

- NICI DE WET

IT WAS always the grand prize – the place where they could turn their dreams into reality, where they could combine their fame and clout to make a difference.

And now, two years after ditching their lives as working royals, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are taking over Hollywood – not in little steps but in giant leaps. Because if we’ve learnt anything about these two, it’s that they don’t do things by halves.

We’ve seen them secure million-dollar contracts with streaming giants Spotify and Netflix, be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, land Disney deals and make appearances on countless celebrity podcasts.

But nothing screams you’ve made it in Lalaland quite like landing a prestigious prize at a glittering gala in front of A listers such as movie stars Jennifer Hudson and Will Smith.

The Sussexes recently made their Hollywood red-carpet debut at the Image Awards presented by the US National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Los Angeles where they were honoured with the president’s award.

It’s the night’s top honour and is awarded to people who’ve excelled in public service. Previous winners include late boxing legend Muhammad Ali, basketball star LeBron James, rapper Jay-Z, singers Rihanna and Lauryn Hill, and former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

The Sussexes – who both chose outfits by black designers – were hailed for the work they’ve done in the past two years through their Archewell Foundation, such as campaigning for global vaccine equity, women’s equality and the Black Lives Matter movement.