They've known each other for almost two decades since they first met "in a different life", and Meghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen proved they are still the ultimate best friends on Thursday night at a gala in Beverly Hills.
The duo was attending the Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event at the Beverly Wiltshire, in honour of Kelly's work with the Alliance of Moms. Wearing a sleek Ralph Lauren gown, Meghan beamed as she stepped out to support her friend, who is expecting a baby boy.
Kelly is one of the Duchess of Sussex's closest friends, and even appeared in an episode of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, last year.
Speaking to HELLO! at the event, Kelly revealed the secrets to their long-lasting friendship, crediting Meghan with "doing things quietly".
"She's an incredible role model in living a life of service. She does not necessarily do everything loudly; she does things quietly, so it's really beautiful to watch. I think we feed off of each other because we love to give back, and we love to support and be of service to others."
A supportive friendship
On Thursday night, Meghan, 44, presented Kelly with the Francis M. Wheat Community Service Award in honor of their close friendship and philanthropic work. When asked how it felt to be together in that moment, Kelly explained that Meghan always "shows up" for her.
© Variety via Getty ImagesShe continued: "Meghan is one of my best friends and I'm honored that she said yes [to presenting] and that she's been along this journey with me as well. She supports the alliance and she's been doing this for a few years now.
Referring to Meghan's children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, she added: "She not only shows up for my family, but it's a real privilege to be able to watch her mother too and so it means a lot for her to be a part of this."
Meghan and Prince Harry are close with Kelly and her family, and for the past two years, have attended the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, named in honour of Kelly's late son George, who passed away in 2022 aged nine from Covid-19 and viral meningitis. He is survived by his twin sister Lily.
© Getty ImagesThe pair met almost 20 years ago, having first been introduced through the Duchess's ex-husband, Trevor Engelson.
"We met 20 years ago, in a different life, and it's so amazing to show up for each other when things are also not perfect and great," Kelly told HELLO!. "She's been a part of my journey with the loss of my son, and she hasn't left my side since. It's a beautiful friendship, and I'm really grateful to have her."
An important gala
The Alliance's signature gala brought together influential names from the entertainment and legal industries to support its work changing thousands of lives of young people and children in foster care. Singer-songwriter Christina Perri was the musical guest of the evening, performing several hits, including her hit single A Thousand Years.
© COURTESY OF NETFLIXKelly told HELLO! afterwards: "I'm honored and humbled to be a part of such an incredible organization that helps families and pregnant parenting foster youth. A lot of times things happen quietly, and it feels really good to shine a light on our foster youth tonight, and our pregnant and parenting community. I'm honored."
Kelly co-founded the Alliance of Moms in 2014 to support the Alliance for Children's Rights, which provides legal services, education, safe housing, and support for vulnerable children. Alliance for Moms also works to support pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system.
She explained: "We support pregnant and parenting foster youth. We do a giant 'mommy and me' day, and we spoil our moms and dads with education and resources and doulas. We help teach our youth how to cook a really healthy meal and to go back and be able to cook it on their own."
The best friends have even been on a girls' skiing trip to Utah in 2024 and regularly join forces for charity events and product launches. Kelly was even one of the selected few to try Meghan's jam from her brand As ever, formerly known as American Riviera Orchard, when it first launched.
