Meghan Markle seems to have a knack for creating headlines, and this time, even a children's hospital charity gala wasn’t spared from controversy.
At the event, she ruffled more than a few feathers, and it all started with her outfit choice and alleged lack of table manners. British TV personality Lizzie Cundy, who was in attendance, couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Meghan donning a striking red dress, which looked remarkably similar to her own. However, the clash wasn’t just about style. Meghan's dress, a luxurious Carolina Herrera creation, reportedly cost close to $6,000—about 20 times more expensive than Lizzie’s £259 outfit. The discrepancy in price only fueled the drama.
It wasn't just the dress that raised eyebrows, though. According to Lizzie, the atmosphere in the room became as frosty as the iceberg that sunk the Titanic once Meghan entered. Her presence at the event seemed fleeting, more focused on grabbing a photo opportunity than making any meaningful connection. Some witnesses reported that Meghan barely stayed long enough to exchange pleasantries, joking briefly with a young boy before disappearing just as quickly as she arrived. Her apparent disinterest left a sour taste for some of the attendees, especially since this isn’t the first time Meghan has been accused of being elusive. Lizzie herself has previously claimed that Meghan "ghosted" her after starting her relationship with Prince Harry, cutting off their friendship without a word.
To add to the swirling controversy, there were even accusations that Meghan hadn’t contributed to the charity event at all—no ticket purchase, no donation, just a brief, camera-ready appearance before vanishing. For many, this seemed like gate-crashing at its worst: attending a charity gala for sick children without offering financial support or genuine engagement. Critics have harshly questioned whether Meghan was even formally invited to the event, or if she simply decided to drop in for a quick moment in the spotlight. The criticism only grew louder, with many accusing her of using the event to shift attention away from other unflattering stories circulating about her at the time.
Meghan’s alleged behavior hasn’t done her any favors in Hollywood either. Despite her LA roots, her actions appear to be rubbing many in the city the wrong way. It’s ironic, considering LA was once thought to be her stronghold. Now, some observers speculate that Meghan may have attended the gala simply to draw attention away from other PR issues. Was her appearance about supporting the children, or was it part of a calculated PR strategy? According to those who were present, the latter seems more likely.
As Meghan’s reputation in Los Angeles falters, the glitz and glamor she once carried seem to be losing their shine. Even Lizzie Cundy, once a friend, expressed that Meghan needs LA far more than LA needs her. Hollywood elites, who once embraced Meghan and Harry due to their royal connections, are reportedly starting to feel used. Meghan and Harry were initially adored for their ties to the British royal family, but their outspoken criticism of the monarchy has not gone over well, especially in a city that respects the Royals.
It’s a shame, too, because Meghan and Harry have done admirable work for charitable causes. However, Lizzie and others believe that Meghan’s recent actions demonstrate a disregard for genuine connection and a tendency to "ghost" her way through life—from friends to royal duties, and now, possibly even the children she was supposedly there to support. For Lizzie, Meghan has become an example of what not to do at a charity event, proving that some things—like class and friendship—can’t be bought, no matter how expensive your gown is.
