Meghan Markle made an unannounced appearance at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Thursday, spending time with young patients through creative activities.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, participated in painting sessions with the children before visiting those confined to their beds in individual rooms.
For her hospital visit, the mother of two opted for a relaxed look: white trousers and a matching shirt, layered with a beige cardigan.
She kept her dark hair loose throughout the afternoon and donned a black face mask to safeguard the health of the vulnerable young patients she was meeting.
Meghan Markle pictured wearing facemask at children’s hospital in LA
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INSTAGRAM: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL L.A.
The hospital shared photographs of the visit on its Instagram page, accompanied by a statement celebrating the occasion.
The facility wrote: “Today we were honoured to welcome LA’s own @meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to CHLA’s Creative Oasis, where she spent time painting alongside our incredible patients. These special moments are a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in fostering joy, connection, and healing.
“Meghan’s visit is part of #MakeMarchMatter, our month-long fundraising campaign supporting the lifesaving care, research, and innovation that happens at CHLA every day. For 125 years, CHLA has been a steadfast beacon of hope and healing.
“You, too, can make an impact by shopping, dining, or attending an event with a #MakeMarchMatter participating business. For more info, visit makemarchmatter.org”.
Meghan Markle chatting to the children in the hospital
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INSTAGRAM: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL L.A.
Images from the afternoon showed the duchess chatting with families and joining in with the art activities.
The hospital described the creative sessions as an opportunity to bring comfort and happiness to children undergoing treatment at the facility.
Thursday’s appearance formed part of Make March Matter, the hospital’s annual fundraising campaign that supports lifesaving treatment, research and innovation at the facility.
The institution noted it has served as “a steadfast beacon of hope and healing” for 125 years.
Meghan Markle previously visited the hospital in 2024
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INSTAGRAM: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL L.A.
This marked the duchess’s return to the Los Angeles hospital, having previously visited in 2024. During that earlier trip, she read stories to the young patients and participated in various activities with them.
The hospital recalled that at the time, children were “laughing and singing” as she brought characters to life whilst reading favourites, including Pete the Cat.
The photographs from Thursday’s visit prompted an outpouring of positive responses on social media.
Supporters praised the duchess for using her platform to bring comfort and creativity to children facing difficult circumstances.
Meghan Markle grew up in Los Angeles
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INSTAGRAM: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL L.A.
“Great work duchess Meghan continue to encourage the kids,” one commenter wrote beneath the hospital’s Instagram post.
Another described the visit as “incredibly touching,” adding that “bringing comfort, creativity, and smiles to children who are going through so much is such a beautiful use of her time and platform.”
Some followers found themselves particularly moved by the images, with one commenting: “Brings tears to my eyes.”