Meghan Markle Recycles Her 2021 Red Carolina Herrera Gown for Surprise Appearance at Children’s Hospital L.A. Gala
The Duchess of Sussex attended the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala in the same dress she previously wore at a veterans event in 2021

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, made a surprise appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on Saturday, Oct. 5, and in an eco-friendly move, she opted for the same stunning red Carolina Herrera gown she wore back in 2021

Meghan looked sensational in the dress, designed with a plunging neckline design and a front slit, and red strappy heels as she posed for photos on the red carpet at the event, which was held in tribute to CHLA’s patients and hospital pediatric workers, per the organization’s website.

The striking Carolina Herrera gown was previously worn by Meghan in November 2021 when she and Prince Harry attended the Salute to Freedom gala honoring veterans at the Intrepid Museum in New York City ahead of Veterans’ Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in the U.K.

When Meghan sported the dress at the hospital gala on Oct. 5, one part of her look from her 2021 appearance in the gown was noticeably missing though — in the form of her glamorous train.

In 2021, Meghan wore the dress with a sweeping train in matching red, paired with red heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. She and Harry, 40, also wore a red poppy each, the symbol used since 1921 in commemoration of military members who died in the war.

At the CHLA gala, a smiling Meghan chatted and took photos with a family whose kids are patients at the hospital, as well as with a group of nurses from the hospital. She was later escorted out of the event by a side door by a staff member, after chatting to more guests as she made her exit.

Meghan previously led a Literally Healing session at the Children’s Hospital L.A. in March, and in an interview at the gala shared on Instagram, she described the hospital as the “best place in the world” for children to receive treatment.

“Oh my goodness, the work they do at Children’s Hospital L.A. is otherworldy, and I think from my standpoint as a mother, no one wants to be in a position where you need to go to a place like this, but if you have to, the best place in the world you could go would be Children’s Hospital L.A.,” she said.

“The staff is incredible, and the amount of work they do for families that really could not afford this level of care is something that I think should never be overlooked,” Meghan continued. “So I’m just grateful for everything they do,” she said, adding that she was, “happy to be here to support.”