'Grateful to have you by my side': Meghan's friend shares sweet tribute after charity gala

Meghan Markle's close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen has taken to social media to thank the duchess for attending this week's Children's Hospital LA Gala.

The royal was a surprise guest at the event, attending solo on October 5, wearing her iconic red Carolina Herrera gown previously worn to the Salute to Freedom gala in New York in 2021.

McKee Zajfen, co-founder of the Alliance of Moms, later said she was "beyond grateful to share in this beautiful evening with one of my closest friends."

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"Meg, your commitment to supporting Children's Hospital Los Angeles and community is truly inspiring. I'm so grateful to have you by my side," she shared.

McKee Zajfen also expressed her thanks to the hospital for the "extraordinary care they give to our daughter Lily."

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"Our journey began when she was just two and a half, and from that day forward, we've experienced nothing but kindness, hope, care, and unmatched expertise," she wrote.

"Our team at Children's has given us strength and hope during the most challenging moments and their continued commitment to Lily's care has made all the difference to our family."

Meghan and McKee Zajfen held hands as they posed for photos for the event.

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The royal met with patients' families and chatting with children at the event. She also spoke with hospital staff and posed for selfies.

The event was also attended by celebrities Jamie Lee Curtis, Kaley Cuoco, Jimmy Kimmel and Demi Lovato who performed at the gala. The gala takes place every two years.

McKee Zajfen and husband Julian lost their son George, nine, to COVID-19 and viral meningitis.

Their daughter's health battle is shared on social media under the moniker "heartmom." Lily suffers from a heart condition that requires regular treatment.

Meghan has previously supported her friend's advocacy and charity endeavours. She and her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer also attended Kelly's Alliance of Moms charity event in April.

The trio also posed for photos together, which were later shared on social media.

"When we speak about the people in our lives who lift us up when you need it with undeniable force of pure love I think of these two," McKee Zajfen shared on Instagram.

"You inspire me. You pick me up when I need it and you Love Like A Mother!"

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have focused on solo engagements of late, with Prince Harry travelling to the southern African nation of Lesotho in what was his third major solo trip without wife Meghan in the past week.

His visit came just hours after leaving London, where Prince Harry appeared on stage at the WellChild Awards praising the "little legends" who are battling serious illnesses.

Prior to that, the duke was in New York, attending various high-profile events connected with his charities.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex resigned as senior working royals in 2020, relocating to Montecito in California, where they still live with their two children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

Since then they have focused on establishing their own ventures outside of the royal family.

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