Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Appearance at Children's Hospital L.A. Gala and Dazzles in Glamorous Red Gown

Mar. 15, 2025

Meghan Markle.Photo:Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Meghan Markleis making a surprise appearance in support of a good cause.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was an unexpected, but incredibly glamorous guest at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Meghan paid a surprise visit to the event, which takes place every two years and pays tribute to CHLA’s patients and hospital pediatric workers, which include some of California’s best physicians, researchers and caregivers, according to the organization’swebsite.

The Duchess looked stunning in a red Carolina Herrera gown (which she previously wore to the Salute to Freedom gala in New York in 2021) as she walked the red carpet holding hands with Alliance of Moms founder Kelly McKee Zajfen, as her husbandPrince Harry, 40 — who has been in the African Kingdom of Lesotho this week — was not present at the event.

In an interview at the event postedon social media, Meghan praised the Children’s Hospital L.A. — where sheled a Literally Healing session in March, reading favorite books of young patients to them — describing it as the “best place in the world” for children to receive treatment.

“Oh my goodness, the work they do at Children’s Hospital L.A. is otherworldy, and I think from my standpoint as a mother, no one wants to be in a position where you need to go to a place like this, but if you have to, the best place in the world you could go would be Children’s Hospital L.A.,” she said.

She went on to share that close friends of hers, including friends from high school, have children currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Meghan attends the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala in L.A. on Oct. 5.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

“The staff is incredible, and the amount of work they do for families that really could not afford this level of care is something that I think should never be overlooked,” the Duchess of Sussex continued.

“So I’m just grateful for everything they do,” she said, adding that she was, “happy to be here to support.”

During the evening Meghan took photos with a family whose kids are patients at the hospital and was spotted crouching down to take photos with the children as she talked to them. She also took a moment to chat with their father.

Meghan spoke to Ella Nelson at the gala and young patients at CHLA during the event.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Other guests included Jamie Lee Curtis, Kaley Cuoco, Colin Hanks, Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney, Sky and Mark Hoppus, Al Yankovic and Demi Lovato, who performed at the event.

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Kelly McKee Zajfen and Meghan at the 2024 CHLA Gala.Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty

Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty

Meghan’s surprise appearance at the event comes as her husband Prince Harry was seen visitingLesothoon Oct. 1 on a public engagement with his charity, Sentebale to discuss the HIV/AIDS crisis in southern Africa.

The Duchess, meanwhile, stayed at home in Montecito, Calif., as she continued to prepare for the launch of herupcoming  Netflix showand lifestyle brand,American Riviera Orchard, while looking after the couple’s two children,Prince Archie, 5, andPrincess Lilibet, 3.

The Duchess of Sussex took photos with families at the biannual event.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

A close sourcepreviously told PEOPLEthat Meghan and Harry, 40, are going through a shift in their ventures.

“It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving," a friend told PEOPLE.

Another royal insider said, “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

source: people.com