Meghan Markle Channels Her Inner Diana During Surprise L.A. Outing
Meghan is modernizing the 'People’s Princess' blueprint, leaning into the emotional and real connections that were once Diana’s humanitarian signature.
In a move reminiscent of the most hands-on moments of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana’s life, Meghan Markle returned to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) on March 12 — trading the global spotlight for a seat at the craft table. By leading art therapy and storytelling sessions for bed-bound patients, the Duchess of Sussex is picking up the mantle of the late Princess of Wales, embracing the very qualities that ultimately made Diana a ‘People’s Princess.’
The hallmark of Diana’s humanitarian work was her refusal to remain a distant figurehead — famously sitting on hospital beds and bridging the gap between royalty and those in distress. Markle seems to be leaning into this exact personal touch. During her visit to CHLA’s ‘Creative Oasis,’ the Duchess didn’t just observe — but also immersed herself in the healing process. Photos of the ward, posted by the official Instagram page of the hospital, captured her laughing with families and painting alongside patients. The caption read: “These special moments are a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in fostering joy, connection, and healing.”
This desire to help personally — rather than through a foundation alone — mirrors a story shared by media mogul Tyler Perry during the annual Baby2Baby Gala in 2022. In front of about 800 guests, he shared that when an employee was desperate for baby formula during the 2021 US shortage, Markle personally went to stores to search for the supply herself. It is a level of direct involvement that echoes Diana’s famous mission — first articulated during her 1995 Panorama interview — to be a ‘Queen of people’s hearts’ who would ‘come running’ to anyone in distress. “Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society,” the late Princess said in the sit-down, adding, “It is a goal and essential part of life – a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are."
The Diana energy was equally on display during Markle’s February visit to Jordan. Much like the Princess of Wales’ historic visits to landmine victims — the Duchess was visibly moved while meeting Jaber — a 17-year-old medical evacuee who had been shot in the legs while collecting food for his family. Looking emotional as she stood by his bedside at the Specialty Hospital in Amman, she told the young man, “I'm so glad you're getting the treatment that you need.” Whether it is a hospital in Los Angeles or a bedside in the Middle East, the Duchess is prioritizing the same destiny that Diana once described — one rooted in a lifelong commitment to the most vulnerable.
One of the most profound ways Markle is continuing her late mother-in-law’s legacy is also through her long-standing commitment to the HALO Trust. In 1997, Diana walked through an active minefield — an image that quickly defined her humanitarian life — and today, Prince Harry and the Duchess have ensured the Archewell Foundation remains a primary financial backer of the organization.
