Richard Eden: Meghan Markle 'was only there for photographs', claims co-guest at LA Children's Hospital gala

Meghan Markle just attended the LA Children's Hospital gala 'for photos', a former friend claims.

British socialite Lizzy Cundy, 56, attended the event last Saturday with the Duchess of Sussex.

The Duchess of Sussex swapped her usual slicked-back hairstyle for a more wavy look and opted for minimal jewelery and more subtle make-up.

In her first red dress of 2021, Meghan joked to a boy at the gala that 'you must be past your bedtime'. Then he said to his mother: 'How old are they? Oh, so close indeed to our children.' Harry and Meghan's son Archie is five and daughter Lilybet is three.

When the Duchess wore a Carolina Herrera gown to a 2021 event, she wore heavy eye make-up. Saturday's solo appearance, which saw her $5,990 (£4,568) dress removed for a simpler look, came as Harry embarked on a two-week 'Casey Royal Tour' without her.

Ms Cundy, 56, who wore a $339 (£259) Pia Michi dress to the event, told the Mail: 'There wasn't a lot of warmth from people when she came. He wasn't there long – he seemed to be there for the photograph.'

He added: 'Meghan needs LA more than she needs LA. LA people think they're played by him. If I had known, I would have worn another one.'

Meghan swapped her usual slicked-back hairstyle for a more wavy look as she attended the event on Saturday night.

Lizzie, 56, who wore a £259 Pia Michi dress, and Meghan, 43, wore a £4,500 Carolina Herrera gown.

Lizzie was friends with Meghan before she met Prince Harry

Ms Cundy and the Duchess were previously friends after meeting at a charity event in 2013. However, Meghan took Ms Cundy as a 'ghost' after meeting Prince Harry.

Ms Cundy added: 'Harry and Meghan were loved because they are part of the royal family, but they have treated members of the royal family badly, who are loved in LA.

'It's a shame, because charity work is where she and Harry do great work.'

She was also disappointed that the Duchess of Sussex was wearing a similar outfit and said: 'If I had known, I would have dressed differently.'

Speaking in 2021, she said: 'We have a clip of her saying, 'I want to be a London girl, I love London men and I love everything to do with London.'

'I was asked to look after Meghan after she got here. He wanted to meet someone.'

But the socialite claimed Meghan later cut off all contact with him, adding: 'He ghosted me after the engagement.

'He ghosted a lot of people, obviously, including his family, so I'm not the worst person he ghosted.'

Meghan shares five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilybet with the Duke of Sussex

The former senior working royal was seen holding hands with her Kelly Mackie Jazphen and apparently wanted to get away from the cameras as soon as possible.

Meghan then greeted Paul Viviano, a health care leader and national children's health care advocate

At the event last week, Megan was joined on the carpet by Kelly McKee Jazfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms, an LA 'giving community that supports pregnant and parenting children in LA's foster care system.'

Meghan then greeted Paul Viviano, a health care leader and a national children's health care advocate, who gave Kelly a warm hug after posing with her.

It is also understood that Harry did not spend his 40th birthday night with Meghan, 43, last month and instead went hiking with friends.

The pair's separate engagements have fueled speculation, although sources close to the Sussexes maintain that Meghan booked the hiking trip for Harry.

California contacts have told the Mail they believe the new 'single Harry' is his idea. 'I believe he wants space,' said one.

A London source said: 'It certainly looks like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage.

'He's always desperate to be taken seriously.'