Los Angeles — Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a heartfelt appearance at a charity event in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 18, paying tribute to the late son of one of the Duchess of Sussex’s closest friends.
The couple attended the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament at the Los Angeles Tennis Club, an annual fundraiser held in memory of George Zajfen, who tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of nine from Covid-19 and viral meningitis. Proceeds from the event support the Alliance for Children’s Rights, a nonprofit dedicated to providing legal aid, safe housing, education, and family support for vulnerable children.
Markle, 44, was visibly emotional as she listened to her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen speak to attendees. Video clips shared on social media captured the Duchess wiping away tears as she stood alongside Prince Harry, 41, who wore a classic white polo and black slacks. Markle herself wore a sleeveless, mid-length white dress, exuding understated elegance as she shared the moment with her husband.
The day was not only a celebration of George’s life but also a demonstration of the couple’s ongoing commitment to charitable causes and community support. Markle later shared a series of videos and photos from the tournament on her Instagram Stories, highlighting touching moments such as Kelly’s daughter Lily running onto the court to join her parents, and intimate exchanges of hugs and smiles between Meghan and Kelly.
In one particularly tender post, a photo of Lily embracing Prince Harry was captioned, “Our other favorite Lily,” seemingly a playful nod to the couple’s own four-year-old daughter, Lilibet.
Kelly, who co-founded Alliance of Moms, reflected on the day’s event in a heartfelt Instagram post. “The George Zajfen Tennis Tournament was nothing short of extraordinary,” she wrote. “Our incredible community showed up with so much love, heart, and spirit for @allianceforchildrensrights and all in honor of our beautiful boy. There were tears, hugs, and so much joy. Get ready for lots of photos coming your way.”
She announced that the tournament had raised a record-breaking $200,000 and extended gratitude to the event sponsors, including Ziffren Brittenham and The Archewell Foundation, which has supported the tournament for a second consecutive year.
“Meg & H, you continue to amaze me with your commitment to community and your fierce loyalty and love in friendship. We are so grateful you chose to support The Alliance again this year,” Kelly added. “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.”
Their presence at the tournament underscores the depth of Markle’s enduring friendship with Kelly, which spans nearly two decades. In September, Kelly offered insight into their bond during an Instagram Q&A session, noting, “I’ve actually known her for almost 20 years. She even came to my wedding 15 years ago! She’s been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human. She’s been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much.”
The appearance by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at this event was a poignant reminder of the couple’s dedication to honoring lives lost and supporting initiatives that uplift children in need. Through their involvement, the legacy of George Zajfen continues to inspire both grief and generosity, blending remembrance with meaningful action.
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