Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has been dealt disappointing news ahead of a planned public appearance where she was to be recognised for her advocacy work. The high-profile Night of Wonder gala, hosted by the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC), was unexpectedly cancelled just days before it was scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 14.
Meghan, founder of the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, was set to be honoured for her efforts in uplifting women and supporting underserved communities. The gala was expected to mark a major moment for the Duchess, with plans for her to deliver remarks during the evening.
However, the museum announced Tuesday that the event would be postponed due to rising social tensions across the city. The decision was made as large-scale protests erupted in response to ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, which has reportedly resulted in the deportation of immigrants without legal representation.
In a public statement, Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of NHMLAC, explained the reasoning behind the move. “As an institution of, for, and with Los Angeles,’ our responsibility during challenging times is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration,” she said.
“Los Angeles needs us to channel our energy toward supporting our neighbours and demonstrating the values that make our city and county strong,” she added. Dr. Bettison-Varga noted that the museum’s Board of Trustees, leadership, and event partners were all in agreement about postponing the event, stating they “unanimously agreed” that it was the “appropriate response to current community circumstances.”
Though the gala has been delayed, organisers have confirmed that it will still take place at a future date, with Meghan expected to participate as originally planned. The new date for the event has yet to be announced. The cancellation comes as a disappointment for the Duchess, who has gradually increased her public presence in recent months through new ventures and appearances.
Her recognition at the Night of Wonder gala was seen as a notable moment in her efforts to reframe her public image and highlight her commitment to social causes. As the city of Los Angeles faces a period of unrest and civic action, the museum’s leadership emphasised its role as a community pillar and pledged to stand in solidarity with those seeking justice and representation.