Awkward moment Meghan Markle is interrupted by aide while being photographed at glitzy Variety gala – before the Duchess squeezes her hand and continues to beam for the cameras

Meghan Markle was awkwardly interrupted as she posed up a storm for the paparazzi at a glitzy LA gala yesterday evening.

The former actress, 42, took to Variety’s Power of Women event and stole the show on the black carpet in a sleek £1,120 evening dress from New York-based brand Proenza Schouler.

But the mother-of-two was awkwardly interrupted as a woman who appeared to be an aide tried to move her out of the limelight.

Looking eager to move the Duchess along, the woman tried to get Meghan’s attention – but when Prince Harry’s wife seemed unfazed by her attempt, she uttered: ‘That’s fine’. 

Meghan looked effortlessly elegant as she continued to work the limelight – confidently titling her head in different angels to ensure a range of shots.

Meghan Markle stunned at the Variety event yesterday evening – and didn’t let her friend get in the way of the photo opportunity 

The Duchess opted for a classy minimalist look for the occasion and donned a £1,120 $1,390 beige maxi dress from New York-based brand Proenza Schouler.  

The trendy gown featured a one-shoulder design with slits along the skirt, cinching slightly at the waist.

The mother-of-two teamed the frock with a £1,120 ($1,390) leather clutch from the same designer and £720 ($895) heels from her favourite Aquazzura.

Meghan’s raven tresses were slicked back into a bun, and she opted for a summery, dewy make-up look which showed off her California tan.

The Duchess had used a solo trip to a ‘mom’s night out’ gala in LA to tease that she and Prince Harry are working on ‘exciting’ new projects and ‘can’t wait to announce them’, it was revealed today.

Meghan told Variety she is ‘really proud’ of what Archewell Productions had created so far, including Netflix docu-series Harry & Meghan and her Archetypes podcast for Spotify.

She posed alongside famous faces including Billie Eilish, Margot Robbie and Carey Mulligan at the star-studded event on Thursday. 

On a night where she also praised the ‘everlasting impact’ of her TV series Suits, Meghan said: ‘We have so many exciting things on the slate. I can’t wait until we can announce them, but I’m just really proud of what we’re creating. My husband is loving it too which is really fun.’

The mother-of-two was awkwardly interrupted while posing up a storm for the paparazzi yesterday evening  

In an attempt to move the Duchess on, Meghan’s friend tapped her on the shoulder as she smiled for the cameras 

The awkward moment didn’t stop Meghan, and she stayed in the same spot smiling for the cameras 

The former actress did not reveal what the projects were – but told Variety on the red carpet that she wants to create ‘things that make people feel’ as well as create ‘a sense of community’. 

Multiple sources have claimed Meghan is about to announce a new project – insisting it is not a relaunch of her lifestyle blog The Tig or a return to acting.

Meghan has been much more visible on the LA scene recently, including two nights watching Beyonce. She also flew on a private jet with Harry and rich friends to see the final performance of Katy Perry‘s Las Vegas residency.

Meghan was Variety’s cover star last year and was among those garlanded in 2022, but was unable to attend the fall 2022 event due to the death of the Queen. 

Entertainment Tonight asked her if it was ‘Mom’s night out’, and the mother-of-two laughed and replied: ‘Exactly.’ 

The former actress proved she knows a thing or two about cameras, as she stunned with a wide grin across her face 

She was asked by Variety what she was working on, and said it was projects ‘that make you feel’ – adding that she could not wait to speak more about her forthcoming work.

She said she had ‘no idea’ why Suits suddenly regained popularity.

‘It was great to work on,’ she said. ‘Such a great cast and crew. We had a really fun time. I was on it for seven seasons, so quite a bit.

‘But it’s hard to find a show you can binge-watch that many episodes of these days, so that could have something to do with it.

‘But good shows are everlasting.’ 

Meghan was asked what was now ‘driving the things you put out in the business’.

The Duchess’s make-up accentuated her glowy skin and long, feathery lashes at last night’s event

Meghan collected her hair back into an elegant updo, collecting the raven tresses into a chic bun

Meghan smiled as she posed for photos and donned an elegant beige gown with slits along the sides

She replied: ‘Things that make people feel… I was going to say things that make people feel good, but it’s more than that. Things that make people feel something, right? And a sense of community.

‘But we have so many exciting things on the slate, I can’t wait until we can announce them. I’m just really proud of what we’re creating.’ 

The Duchess said that she was appreciative of other women in show business supporting each other.

‘This industry is so special and you see how many women use the platform that they have and channel it for good.

She accessorised with minimal golden jewellery, grinning while posing for snaps at the event last night

Meghan kept her accessories minimal with a black clutch, heels and a selection of golden jewellery 

‘And the more we support each other, it amplifies the work, amplifies our community – and I’m just thrilled to be back in it.

‘And be able to sit in this room, be in such good company tonight.

‘And also to focus so much on how this is the crossroads of entertainment meeting philanthropy. So it’s really close to my heart. It’s going to be a fun night.’

This year’s honorees included Carey Mulligan, singer Fantasia Barrino, ‘Killers of the Flowers Moon’ star Lily Gladstone, and Billie Eilish – who performed ‘What Was I Made For’ alongside her brother Finneas O’Connell. 

The magazine presented a Producer of the Year Award to Margot Robbie, who produced Barbie, and an Alumni Award to Emily Blunt.

Other attendees, Variety reported, included Leonardo DiCaprio, Dua Lipa, Emerald Fennell, Oprah Winfrey and Riley Keough.