Meghan Markle stuns in sleek strapless gown for night out with longtime friend

Meghan Markle has been close friends with Kelly McKee Zajfen for almost 20 years, and supported her through her son’s death

Meghan Markle was glowing as she attended an event for the Alliance for Children’s Rights in Beverly Hills on Thursday night, alongside her close friend, Kelly McKee Zafjen.

The Duchess of Sussex looked stunning in a strapless navy Ralph Lauren gown, which she paired with circular gold Chanel earrings, gold bracelets and strappy heels. She wore her hair in a low bun, with pieces of hair framing her face.

Kelly arrived in a black gown that showcased her growing baby bump, featuring long sleeves and a high neck, and accessorized with strappy heels. The friends shared a sweet hug on the red carpet for the Champions for Children event, in honor of Kelly’s work with the Alliance of Moms. 

Meghan was stunning in the navy gown

She co-founded the organization in 2014 to support the Alliance for Children’s Rights, which provides legal services, education, safe housing and support for vulnerable children. Kelly’s Alliance for Moms works to support pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system.

She was presented with an award by Meghan in honor of their close friendship and philanthropic work.

Meghan also supported her friend of almost 20 years at Kelly’s fundraising event in October 2025, which aimed to raise funds for the Alliance for Children’s Rights. Prince Harry joined his wife at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, named for Kelly’s late son, who passed away aged nine from Covid-19 and viral meningitis.  

She attended the event alongside her close friend Kelly

The As Ever founder was visibly emotional at the event during Kelly’s speech, and was comforted by her husband. “Meg & H, you continue to amaze me with your commitment to community and your fierce loyalty and love in friendship,” Kelly wrote in a social media post after the event.

“We are so grateful you chose to support The Alliance again this year. I’m always in awe of your ability to show up for others, for this cause, and for our family. Thank you for holding Georgie in your hearts and helping us carry his light forward. We love you.”

The pair have been friends for almost two decades

Kelly announced a month later that she was expecting a baby boy, who is set to arrive four years after George’s death. “Sometimes…just sometimes…when you let light in through the broken pieces of your heart, love grows,” she wrote on Instagram. “Baby boy coming this Spring.”

Meghan supported Kelly through the loss of her son

“The path here wasn’t easy, and yet love kept showing up in the smallest signs, the quietest moments, the light that refused to fade,” she continued. “This little soul is already so loved, a reminder that joy and grief can exist together…and that hope has a way of finding us again.”

Kelly appeared on With Love, Meghan in 2025

Meghan and Kelly’s friendship has endured for almost two decades, with the pair meeting through the Duchess’s ex-husband, Trevor Engelson. “I’ve actually known her for almost 20 years? She even came to my wedding (15 years ago!), and she’s been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human,” Kelly wrote on Instagram. 

“She’s been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much.” Kelly also joined Meghan in an episode of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, in 2025. 

Via: Hello Magazine