Meghan Markle’s surprise appearance on the red carpet at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala on October 5th had fans buzzing. Not only did she re-wear her stunning red Carolina Herrera gown from 2021, but she also displayed a different side of her personality without Prince Harry by her side.
The Duchess of Sussex attended the event alongside fellow philanthropist Kelly McKee Zajfen. Body language expert Judi James, writing for the Daily Mail, observed that Meghan appeared a bit more “shy” and “coy” than what fans are accustomed to seeing. James highlighted that Meghan has a “body language ritual” often visible in her interactions with Prince Harry.
“For a confident woman accustomed to the spotlight, she seemed genuinely grateful to see and join her friend,” James noted. Meghan's seemingly “shy” demeanor suggested a “subliminal desire to have someone take over the lead from Harry,” indicating that she may feel somewhat lost without him on the red carpet. This impression hints at a vulnerability and a playful girlishness that’s not typical for her.
The feeling of vulnerability may stem from resurfaced questions regarding her interactions with staff during her time as a royal and at Archewell. Although her former and current employees have defended her, the “bullying claims” from her time in the U.K. continue to hover over her. Catherine St-Laurent, the couple’s former chief-of-staff, expressed to Us Weekly, “The time I spent working with Prince Harry and Meghan was incredibly meaningful to me.” Despite the lingering controversy, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seem focused on advancing their individual careers rather than presenting themselves as a joint entity.
“They had to change the narrative,” PR expert Mark Borkowski told The Telegraph on October 1st. “They need a venture that deflects from the failures. The charity aspect emphasizes that he [Harry] has value beyond the controversial topics. This strategy effectively separates them from negative press and unproductive content ideas.” While Harry leans into philanthropy, Meghan is poised to embrace her lifestyle guru era with the upcoming launch of American Riviera Orchard.
This significant shift may explain why Meghan appeared a bit hesitant on the red carpet. As she ventures into new territory, she may not always have Harry for reassurance. James pointed out that the Duchess was signaling a desire to be “likable” and “very amenable to the press” during the event, suggesting that she is ready for the next stage of her journey — even if she exhibits a hint of nerves.
