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Meghan Markle Looks Gorgeous as She Hugs Her Close Friend In Sweet Moment [Photos]

Meghan Markle reunited with her close friend, Kelly McKee Zafjen, to support her advocacy for children's rights.

Kelly McKee Zajfen and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 19, 2026, in Beverly Hills. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Leon Bennett)
Kelly McKee Zajfen and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 19, 2026, in Beverly Hills. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Leon Bennett)

All eyes were on Meghan Markle as she commanded attention in an elegant Ralph Lauren strapless gown at an event for the Alliance for Children's Rights on March 19. The Duchess of Sussex showed up at Beverly Hills to support her close friend, Kelly McKee Zafjen, sharing a warm hug and craddling her friend's baby bump on the red carpet. At the event, Markle also presented McKee Zafjen with an award, honoring her unwavering dedication to children's rights and advocacy.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 19, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 19, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California. (Image Source: Getty Images | Leon Bennett)

The Duchess of Sussex made a style statement on the red carpet by pairing her Ralph Lauren outfit with circular gold Chanel earrings, gold bracelets, and strappy heels. She kept her hair in a sleek, low-key bun with soft strands framing her face. Meanwhile, McKee Zafjen wore a black, long-sleeved gown that brought attention to her baby bump, pairing it with black heels. The two shared a warm embrace on the red carpet, celebrating her work with the Alliance of Moms. McKee Zafjen had founded the organization in 2014 to support the Alliance for Children's Rights, which oversees legal help, education, appropriate housing, and support for vulnerable children. 

Kelly
Kelly McKee Zajfen and Meghan Markle attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children. (Image Source: Getty Images | Leon Bennett)

During the event, Markle addressed the crowd, growing visibly emotional as she highlighted the importance of community advocacy before presenting McKee Zafjen with an award. The event also featured moving speeches and fundraising efforts to provide legal aid, education, and stable homes for children in need. McKee Zafjen especially works to support pregnant and parenting teens in foster care.

As for Markle, this is not the first time she has proven herself as a supportive friend. She also showed up for McKee Zafjen's October 2025 event, which raised funds for a similar cause. Prince Harry had also joined her at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, named in honor of McKee Zafjan's late son, who passed away at nine from COVID-19 and viral meningitis.  

(L-R) Jennifer L. Braun, Kelly McKee Zajfen, Meghan Duchess of Sussex, Katherine Pope and Leslie Gilbert-Lurie attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 19, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Jennifer L. Braun, Kelly McKee Zajfen, Meghan Markle, Katherine Pope, and Leslie Gilbert-Lurie attend The Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children. (Image Source: Getty Images | Leon Bennett)

Markle and McKee Zafjen's friendship goes back 20 years, the pair having met through the Duchess's ex-husband, Trevor Engelson. She once said on Instagram, "I've actually known her [Markle] for almost 20 years? She even came to my wedding (15 years ago), and she's been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human." In an episode of Markle's Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, McKee Zafjen had previously also gushed, "She's [Markle] been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much." 

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