Alec Baldwin has praised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their handling of the press and tough personal issues.
The actor, 64, was speaking on the red carpet of the Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York City, prior to the couple's arrival.
Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, will be honoured at the event alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and late NBA star Bill Russell for their work in helping "to protect and advance equity, justice, and human rights".
Alec was set to be the MC for the night and was questioned on his thoughts as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's appearance at the event.
The Hollywood star admitted: "I was kind of shocked for them to come here and do this."
When asked what he admires most about the pair, he added: "To handle difficult circumstances in the press without having too much difficulty. There's always going to be certain difficulties."
He went on to praise their choices, saying: "They've obviously chosen a different path and good for them," before joking: "Sometimes I think I want to choose a different path so we'll see, maybe I can be their driver.
"They're newly arrived in the states. They haven't been here that long. I think it's great they they have agreed to support this cause which we've supported for years."
He concluded by telling them to "enjoy New York".
Prince Harry and Meghan turned up to the event looking stunning as Meghan opted for an off-the-shoulder white dress with long sleeves - similar to the outfit Kate Middleton wore to an event last Friday. She completed the look with a black clutch bag and stylish pendant earrings.
Harry meanwhile chose a smart black suit with a crisp white shirt and thin tie and he held an umbrella in the air for his wife to shield her from the rain as they entered the building from their vehicle.
The royal couple’s trip comes just before the first instalment of their eagerly anticipated Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan is to be released.
The first three instalments of the series is set for release on Thursday December 8, with three additional episodes to be aired a week later on December 15.
