It's the seat that counts - not just in the British line of succession, but also when it comes to celebrity spotting courtside. At the matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday evening, stars lined up in the front row of the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio: Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller sat right at the court, meaning right in the middle of the action of the fifth and decisive game of the NBA Finals.
Prince Harry, however, watched the game from a considerably greater distance. The Duke of Sussex had only found a seat in the eighth row of the stadium. By his side was JP Lane, a US Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who competes in the Warrior Games.
Not the only celebrity in the back rows
Harry wasn't the only famous name that evening who didn't make it into the coveted celebrity row. Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney and her friend Scooter Braun also had to settle for seats further back, as did actor Billy Baldwin.
Which team the former military pilot was rooting for that evening remained unclear. Harry has never publicly declared a preference for any NBA team over the years.
A confusing moment with Spike Lee
A brief encounter with director Spike Lee, who was also in attendance, also caused a stir. The New York filmmaker had observed Harry hugging a friend in front of him and subsequently approached the Duke. Harry turned around, recognized the Oscar-winning Knicks fan, and extended his hand.
But instead of shaking it, Lee initially just pointed his finger at him and said something in his direction - a scene that went viral as a video. Harry then somewhat awkwardly placed his hand on Lee's chest, then reached over and briefly shook the director's hand after all. According to the Daily Mail, a spokesman for the Duke later dismissed speculation that Lee had deliberately snubbed him - calling it nonsense.
