Meghan Markle made a very unexpected appearance at a charity gala and posed on the red carpet in an eye-popping dress – and following speculation, the reason why she appeared at the event has now emerged

Meghan Markle made a very unexpected solo appearance at a glitzy red carpet-event in a showstopping dress.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a recycled eye-catching red Carolina Herrera gown as she turned up for a star-studded night at the LA Children’s Hospital charity gala. Meghan could be seen posing for photographers on the red carpet as well as chatting to pal Kelly McKee Zajfen.

The solo appearance came after Meghan had laid low for several weeks while her husband Prince Harry has been crisscrossing the world in a string of appearances promoting his own charitable endeavours. And it led to some speculation as to why Meghan had attended the event, especially without Harry.

Meghan wore a show-stopping Carolina Herrera gown ( 
Image:
Variety via Getty Images)

Meghan posed with her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Children’s Hosp)

But on her and Harry’s official website Sussex.com, Meghan’s close connection with the hospital was explained – as was the reason for her attending the charity night.

A write-up of the event on the site said: “This weekend, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attended the biennial Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala, an inspiring event dedicated to celebrating the exceptional services provided to children across LA. Invited as a special guest by CHLA’s president and CEO, Paul Viviano, The Duchess was proud to stand alongside esteemed guests in support of this vital cause.”

It continued: “The Duchess has a long-standing connection with CHLA, having visited the hospital on several occasions to meet with patients and participate in the annual Make March Matter campaign. Her presence at the gala underscored her commitment to advocating for the health and well-being of children around the world.

“The evening was a resounding success, reminding us all of the power of community support in improving the lives of those in need. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CHLA and everyone involved for their dedication and generosity. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.”

Meghan had been invited to the gala as she has a ‘long-standing connection’ with the hospital ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

It comes after Meghan’s rare red carpet appearance saw her look changed while in the spotlight, according to body language expert Judi James. She told the Mirror : “Meghan’s sudden appearance on the red carpet here seems to show some body language and styling choices that involve the kind of changes that might be making a few deliberate statements.

“Her non-verbal signalling is all about looking coy, slightly vulnerable and even slightly shy. Although she seems to be on her usual form when it comes to placement and direction, her actual posing performances for the cameras lack her usual levels of confidence and assertiveness. She seems to be projecting the idea that she is sweet and rather cute.

“When she spots her friend on the red carpet she throws both hands out and joins her, clasping her hand to register friend-based bonding while also putting her hand underneath in the more passive position as though she is keen to let her friend take the lead. “She even pulls her friend’s hand in front of her own torso to hold it like a protective barrier, in the kind of move you might see from a shy child.”

But despite the coy appearance, Judi explained that Meghan’s body language was “pure Hollywood” rather than royalty. She added: “The attention-grabbing red dress she wore with Harry has had its regal-looking train removed, leaving a sexy low-cut top and leg-flashing skirt. Meghan poses with her back arched in it, too, which makes better use of the plunging neckline.

“Her hair is now loose and tousled in a sexier look than the severe bun she wore last time and overall the look is more film star than wife of a prince, as though she’s keen to show off her own A-list status and clout here while Harry does all the regal stuff abroad. She even performs the ‘over-the-shoulder’ flirty glance to the cameras with the one shoulder raised that is a red carpet staple for any aspiring star.”