Why Meghan was a no-show at awards night in LA honouring her podcast after car chase criticism

It's been revealed why the Duchess of Sussex was a no-show at an awards ceremony in Los Angeles that honoured the success of her debut podcast series.

Meghan's apparent vanishing act came just a week since she and Prince Harry were involved in a car chase with the paparazzi they described as "near catastrophic" after another event in New York.

That incident has since been questioned by multiple sources, with many doubting the couple's account of the journey home from the venue.

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On Wednesday, their spokesperson issued a statement denying it had been a "PR stunt" citing "the duke's family history" which, they said, would be "abhorrent".

In March it was announced Meghan had been recognised for her work on the podcast Archetypes.

The duchess was named top Entertainment Podcast Host by The Gracie Awards, which celebrate exemplary programming and individual achievement created by, for, and about women across all media in news and entertainment.

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The news was shared on Prince Harry and Meghan's not-for-profit website Archewell.

"This award honours outstanding original content that both entertains and informs in a highly engaging and authentic manner," it said.

"Archetypes revealed a discerning narrative that endures, as Meghan and her guests engaged in candid conversations about the labels and tropes that try to hold women back.

"Archetypes debuted at Number 1 in the US, UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, and topped the charts as the Number 1 podcast in 47 countries.

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"Congratulations to Meghan and the Archetypes team on this incredible achievement!"

The winners were celebrated at a gala event at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

But Meghan was not among the prestigious group.

Now, Hello magazine is reporting that Meghan had never actually confirmed her attendance at the event.

She was unable to be there because of a another personal commitment, the publication says.

Instead the duchess had sent a letter of thanks to the organisers.

It had previously been suggested that those behind the event were not sure if the duchess would show up, even hours out from the ceremony starting.

The venue is roughly a 90-minute drive from the couple's Montecito home.

Since the car chase incident last week following the Women In Vision Awards in Manhattan, there have been no other sightings of Prince Harry and Meghan in public.