Meghan Markle recently attended the LA Children’s Hospital Gala, but her presence has drawn criticism from a former friend. British socialite Lizzie Cundy, who was at the event alongside the Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍, claimed that Meghan seemed to be there “for the photographs.”
At the gala last Saturday, Meghan opted for a wavy hairstyle, minimal jewelry, and subtle makeup, showcasing a striking red Carolina Herrera gown she previously wore in 2021. During the event, she playfully engaged with a young boy, joking, “It’s past your bedtime for sure,” and inquired about his age, noting the closeness in age to her own children, Archie and Lilibet.
This appearance marked a departure from her earlier style, as she had previously worn the same dress with heavy eye makeup at a 2021 gala. For this outing, she simplified her look by removing the train of her $5,990 (£4,568) gown. Her solo appearance coincided with Prince Harry’s two-week “quasi royal tour,” during which he is traveling without her.
Cundy remarked on the atmosphere at the event, stating, “There wasn’t a great deal of warmth from people when she arrived. She wasn’t there long—she seemed to be there for the photographs.” She further commented, “Meghan needs LA more than LA needs her. LA people feel they’ve been played by her.”
As Meghan continues to navigate her public image in Los Angeles, reactions to her appearances remain mixed, with some questioning her intentions at high-profile events.
Ms Cundy and the Duchess were previously friends after they met at a charity gala back in 2013. However, Meghan went on to ‘ghost’ Ms Cundy after she met Prince Harry.
Ms Cundy added: ‘Harry and Meghan were loved because they’re part of the Royal Family, but they’ve bad-mouthed the royals, who are loved in LA.
‘It’s a shame, because charity work is where her and Harry do great things.’
She was also disappointed to find that the Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 wore a similar dress to hers and said: ‘I’d have worn a different one if I’d known.’
Speaking back in 2021, she said: ‘We have a clip of her saying, ‘I want to be a London girl, I love London men and I love everything to do with London.’
‘I was asked to look after Meghan when she came over here. She wanted to meet someone.’
But the socialite claimed Meghan later cut all contact with her, adding: ‘She ghosted me once the engagement hit.
‘She’s ghosted quite a lot of people, obviously, including her family, so I’m not the worst person she’s ghosted.’
At the event last week, Meghan was joined on the carpet by Kelly McKee Zajfen, the co-founder for the Alliance of Moms, an LA ‘community of philanthropists who support pregnant and parenting teens in LA’s foster care system.’
Meghan then greeted Paul Viviano, a health care leader and a national children’s health care advocate, giving him a warm hug after posing with Kelly.
It is also understood that Harry did not spend his 40th birthday night last month with Meghan, 43, and instead went hiking with friends.
The pair’s separate engagements have raised speculation, though sources close to the Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍es maintain it was Meghan who booked the hiking trip for Harry.
Contacts in California told the Mail they believe the new ‘solo Harry’ is his idea. ‘I believe he wants space,’ said one.
A London source said: ‘This definitely feels like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage.
‘He’s always been desperate to be taken seriously.’
