Meghan Markle's ex-boyfriend says the duchess “only went to the gala to…”

A former friend of Meghan Markle has nuked the Duchess of Sussex's recent gala appearance for the Los Angeles Children's Hospital (CHLA), primarily for publicity reasons.

The claims come after Meghan, 43, was spotted on the red carpet at the October 5 event accompanied by her close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen.

Meghan's attendance at the gala coincides with a period of negative press

British socialite and radio presenter Lizzie Cundy, a former friend of Meghan, disputed these claims and suggested that the duchess's appearance was more for the camera than the cause. Cundy, who attended the gala, told the Daily Mail: “When she arrived there wasn't much warmth from people. She wasn’t there long – she seemed to be there for the photos.”

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“Meghan needs LA more than LA needs her,” noting that many in the city felt “played” by the Duchess.

Cundy also pointed to the changing public perception of Meghan and Prince Harry in LA, noting: “Harry and Meghan were loved because they are part of the royal family, but they bad-mouthed the royals who are loved in LA.” . It’s a shame because she and Harry are doing great things in charity work.”

Cundy and Meghan were once close friends after meeting at a charity gala in 2013, but their relationship cooled after Meghan and Prince Harry got engaged, with Meghan cutting off contact and changing her phone number.

“She ghosted me when the engagement came. She obviously ghosted a lot of people, including her family, so I'm not the worst person to ghost her,” she said.

Meghan apologizes for her appearance at the gala “to celebrate the extraordinary achievements”

She later shared her reasons for attending the event on the Duchess of Sussex's website. In a statement, the website explained: “This weekend, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, attended the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Biennial Gala, an inspiring event celebrating the extraordinary achievements that children in all of LA… The Duchess was proud. “Stand alongside valued guests and support this important cause.”

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The statement noted Meghan's long-standing connection to the hospital, her previous visits to meet patients and take part in the annual Make March Matter campaign. “Her presence at the gala underscored her commitment to supporting the health and well-being of children around the world,” it said. At the end, they expressed their gratitude to the CHLA and everyone involved and said: “Together we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.”