Duchess’s honour delayed amid rising community tensions in LA
Meghan Markle encountered a fresh setback this week as the Los Angeles Natural History Museums’ Night of Wonder gala, where she was due to be honoured, was postponed due to escalating tensions in the city.
The Duchess of Sussex had been slated to attend the 14 June event, where she was set to receive recognition for her work in uplifting women and supporting underserved communities through her brand, As Ever.
However, organisers announced that the gala would be delayed in response to growing protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities targeting immigrant citizens without legal representation.
“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,” said Dr Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of NHMLAC.
She added that the museum’s Board of Trustees, leadership and event partners “unanimously agreed” that postponing the event was the “appropriate response to current community circumstances.”
A new date for the gala has yet to be confirmed, though it is expected to proceed in due course. Meghan is anticipated to deliver remarks when the event takes place.
