Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on October 5, 2024, where she stole the spotlight in a stunning red Carolina Herrera gown. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, graced the event to honor the hospital’s pediatric patients and dedicated staff, including some of California’s leading physicians, researchers, and caregivers. This biannual gala is a celebration of the incredible work done at CHLA.
Walking the red carpet alongside Kelly McKee Zajfen, founder of Alliance of Moms, Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry, was absent, as he was in Lesotho for a separate engagement. In a heartfelt interview at the event, Meghan praised the hospital, describing it as the “best place in the world” for children needing treatment.
Reflecting on her previous experience with the hospital, she recalled leading a “Literally Healing” session in March, where she read beloved children’s books to young patients. Meghan expressed her admiration for the work done at CHLA, stating, “Oh my goodness, the work they do at Children’s Hospital L.A. is otherworldly. 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 also shared that several close friends, including those from her high school, currently have children receiving treatment at the hospital, further emphasizing her personal connection to the cause.
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Meghan Markle continued to express her admiration for the incredible work done at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles during her surprise appearance at the 2024 Gala. “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,” she said. The Duchess expressed her gratitude for the hospital’s efforts, adding that she was “happy to be here to support.”
Throughout the evening, Meghan engaged warmly with families and staff. She was seen taking photos with a family whose children are patients at the hospital, crouching down to connect with the kids and sharing moments with their father. Inside the event, she radiated positivity, greeting and chatting with a group of nurses, even stopping to take selfies with them.
The gala, hosted by Jon Cryer and Lisa Joyner, honored notable figures, including television producer Chuck Lorre and former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard and his wife, Bernadette. As Meghan made her way out, she was escorted through a side door by a staff member but took the time to chat with anyone who stopped her, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and kindness.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(953x701:955x703):format(webp)/Meghan-Markle-Childrens-Gala-Los-Angeles-100624-05-7055c2de75a341e59a1ffbad10edf1df.jpg)
Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s evolving dynamic, a friend shared that “a twin-track approach is evolving” as they navigate their public and private lives. The couple’s recent appearances reflect a balance of their commitments to philanthropy and their family, highlighting their focus on meaningful engagements.
At the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala, Meghan was in great company, mingling with stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Kaley Cuoco, Colin Hanks, and Jimmy Kimmel, among others. Demi Lovato also graced the event with a performance, adding to the night’s celebratory atmosphere.
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