Meghan Markle demonstrated a protective bond with her close friend Kelly Zajfen at a high-profile charity event in Los Angeles, highlighting Kelly’s joyful pregnancy. The Duchess of Sussex cradled her friend’s baby bump repeatedly for the cameras during the Alliance for Children’s Rights’ 34th Annual Champions for Children gala at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.
Body Language Signals Strong Friendship
Body language expert Judi James analyzed the duo’s interactions, noting that Meghan’s gestures conveyed deep trust and intimacy. “Patting or holding Kelly’s baby bump is one of the biggest signals of strong trust and intimacy between the women,” James stated. Meghan scanned the cameras to draw attention to her friend’s pregnancy, thrilled that Kelly expects a baby boy four years after the tragic loss of her nine-year-old son George to COVID-19 and viral meningitis.
James observed Meghan’s encircling arm around Kelly, 45, as a sign of their tight relationship and a desire to protect her. “She presses her head against Kelly’s head to show levels of trust and closes her eyes in a sentimental gesture of love,” the expert added. Meghan leaned far over the bump, prompting Kelly to lean back, followed by a playful laugh from the Duchess.
A protective pat on Kelly’s back and an initial courteous hand clasp upon arrival further emphasized Meghan’s caring role. “It was as though Meghan was delivering her onto the red carpet and showing how precious she is,” James explained. Inside the Four Seasons hotel, another clinging hug occurred, with Kelly then leading a smiling Meghan to greet guests.
Decades-Long Bond and Shared Charity Work
The friends, who met nearly 20 years ago through Meghan’s ex-husband Trevor Engelson—a friend of Kelly’s entertainment lawyer husband—shared prom-night-style rituals on the red carpet, including hugs and hand-holding. Kelly co-founded the Alliance of Moms, supporting pregnant and parenting teens in foster care.
Following George’s death in July 2022, Meghan, 44, and Prince Harry, 41, donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe in his honor, attributing it to their children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four. They attended events like a charity tennis tournament in George’s memory. Kelly described Harry and Meghan as a “guiding light” and praised Meghan’s commitment as “truly inspiring.” “I’m so grateful to have you by my side,” she told the Duchess.
In a September 2025 Instagram Q&A, Kelly shared: “I’ve known her for almost 20 years. She came to my wedding 15 years ago and has been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human. She’s been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship.” The pair also enjoys downtime together, including a 2024 ski trip with mutual friend Heather Dorak.
First Outing Amid Netflix Developments
This marked Meghan’s first public appearance since assuming full control of her As Ever brand after concluding her Netflix partnership. She wore a navy Ralph Lauren strapless gown and black Stuart Weitzman sandals, appearing vibrant despite reported challenges. Recent reports indicate Netflix views the five-year, £45 million deal with the Sussexes as tapered off, citing lackluster ratings for shows like With Love, Meghan and communication issues. A Sussexes spokesman maintains they cooperated fully throughout.
