‘Right choice': Meghan Markle's planned public appearance at Natural History Museum cancelled amid Los Angeles riots
A glitzy gala where Meghan Markle was set to receive a humanitarian award for her work helping 'underserved communities' has been cancelled amid the ongoing Los Angeles riots.
Parts of Los Angeles are now locked down after an emergency was declared in a bid to stop the violence and looting from the ongoing immigration protests, which have spread to major cities in other parts of the United States.
The Duchess of Sussex was pencilled in to attend the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County's Night of Wonder gala on Saturday.
Markle, 43, was set to take the stage and accept an honour for work championing "undeserved communities'.
It is understood the ex-working royal was also due to give a speech at the gala.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed the entire event has now been postponed indefinitely due to ongoing rioting mere blocks away in downtown Los Angeles.
In an email sent out to attendees, the museum's Chief Advancement Officer Paul Bessire said gala organisers had put the kibosh on the entire black tie affair.
'Los Angeles is experiencing a challenging moment, and our responsibility is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration,' Mr Bessire wrote.
'During challenging times, our role is to support our neighbors and demonstrate the values that make our city and County strong.
'Our Board of Trustees, and all event partners unanimously support this decision.
'We believe this is the right choice for our community and aligns with our shared commitment to serving all Angelenos.
'We will find a future moment to celebrate our work.
'Until then, we will channel our energy towards being welcoming spaces for learning and discovery for everyone who walks through our doors.'
The event was planned for the exact same day as the Trooping the Colour celebrations marking King Charles' official birthday in London.
The annual celebrations, and the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony appearance, now serve as a stark reminder of the Sussexes' ongoing estrangement from the royal family.
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