Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Appearance Visiting Patients at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles

Meghan Markle at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles on March 12.Credit : CHLA

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Meghan Markle visited Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12
The Duchess of Sussex spent time painting with patients and also visiting those who are bed-bound and could not partake in the activity
Meghan previously visited the hospital in 2024, when she read aloud to patients

Meghan Markle made a surprise visit to patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, first stopped by the Creative Oasis area of the hospital where she spent time watercolor painting with the young patients. Meghan then spent time with bed-bound patients who were unable to leave their rooms for the painting activity.

Her visit to the hospital on Thursday was part of CHLA’s month-long Make March Matter campaign.

“Make March Matter is an annual fundraising campaign for CHLA that unites celebrities, businesses, and the greater community in support of its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures,” CHLA said in a statement. “Funds raised will help ensure the hospital can provide sick and critically injured children with the best quality care, research and innovation that happens at CHLA every day for the last 125 years.”

Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Appearance Visiting Patients at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles

Meghan Markle smiles with a patient at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.CHLA

Photos from the visit show Meghan wearing a black face mask as she smiles alongside the child patients, coloring pictures of Hello Kitty and painting with the hospital staff and children.

Meghan previously visited the hospital in 2024 to lead a Literally Healing session.

“Children were laughing and singing as The Duchess turned into character with every page as she read patient favorite books like Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat and I Saw a Cat,” CHLA said in a statement at the time. Meghan also helped children with STEAM activities connected to each book.

In a video of the visit, Meghan greeted the children as they gathered for the reading time, excitedly showing the cover of Rosie Revere, Engineer and telling the group, “This is one of my favorites.”

The visit comes shortly after Meghan’s announcement that she will soon join a “Girl’s Weekend” retreat hosted with the Her Best Life podcast during her upcoming visit to Australia with her husband, Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Appearance Visiting Patients at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles

The Duchess of Sussex colors a ‘Hello Kitty’ picture with a patient.CHLA

The event, which will be held from April 17 to April 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, will include “meaningful speakers” and “a gala dinner featuring in-person conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” described as “an intimate gala like no other” in the press release.

Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Appearance Visiting Patients at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles

Meghan Markle in ‘The Creative Oasis’ of the hospital painting with watercolors.CHLA

A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry previously confirmed to PEOPLE that the couple will be touring Australia in mid-April to “take part in a number of private, business, and philanthropic engagements.” This will be their first trip to the country in over seven years. Their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, will not join them.