Meghan Markle pictured as guest speaker at 'power of women' charity event trends now

Meghan Markle looked right at home co-hosting a 'power of women' charity benefit last night - as pictures of her beaming at the crowd surface just hours after the Royal palace made attempts to stave off new allegations of racism. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 41, jetted into the Midwest from California to be interviewed on-stage in the event billed 'The Power of Women: An Evening with Meghan'. 

The 'moderated discussion' took place alongside Rabbi Sandy Sasso - the first woman ordained by the Reconstructionist Judaism movement at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Indianapolis. 

While guests were banned from taking any pictures, Meghan's friend Omid Scobie shared several snaps from the crowd to Twitter this evening - in what some have labelled a strategic PR move in the wake of Buckingham Palace's racism debacle, which is threatening to overshadow the Prince and Princess' of Wales tour of the United States. 

Meghan wore a green dress with a keyhole cutout at the neckline and purple peep toe heels to match the backdrop as she sat opposite Ms Sasso, who was wearing a grey power suit. 

He wrote: 'Last night, Duchess Meghan took part in a moderated discussion focused on women's empowerment and supporting young girls.'

As William and Kate today made their way to the US for their first trip in eight years, William's godmother Lady Susan Hussey stepped down from the royal household after she allegedly refused to believe a black domestic abuse campaigner was British and asked her: 'What part of Africa are you from?'

The incident has been labelled a 'PR disaster' and there are now suggestions Meghan and Harry could look to capitalise on any backlash.

Publicist Mark Borkowski said the comments, which were made at a reception organised by Queen Consort Camilla, would serve as 'ammunition' for Meghan and Harry - who today released a polished trailer for the Invictus Games on the same day William and Kate began their US visit.

Mr Borkowski told MailOnline: 'This is a PR disaster for the Royal Family and it is going to cause huge problems, especially at the start of William and Kate's US trip which will be dominated by a new racism row. They are flying into a perfect storm.' 

Meghan's benefit was hosted by the Women's Fund of Central Indiana,  a non-profit which assists local woman experiencing hardship or disadvantage. 

Prior keynote speakers at Women's Fund benefits include former first lady Michelle Obama, who drew a crowd of more than 12,000 people at the home arena of the Indiana Pacers in 2018, according to organizers.

Tickets for the event cost a whopping $500 per head, while entire tables cost $5,000.

Mr Scobie's post attracted dozens of comments from fans, some of whom claim to have been in attendance to witness the 'uplifting' discussion.

'It was amazing and an honor... she is kind genuine and intelligent. A blessing to se her,' one person said.

Another added: 'Heard from squaddies at the event that it was an amazing uplifting discussion. Tons of great energy and she looked gorgeous as always.'

It is not known how much Meghan will have been paid for the appearance, if at all, however PR experts believe she could earn up to £1million per speech in the US.

The Indiana event drew supporters from across the state, and perhaps even further, with one group traveling from Ivy Tech Community College in Lawrenceburg, about 100 miles southeast of Indianapolis.

'A strong team of @IvyLburgBville women philanthropists traveled to Indianapolis to attend the Power of Women event,' the school tweeted. 'Remarkable event this evening!'

Attendance figures for Tuesday's event were not immediately clear, but the largest ballroom at the Indianapolis Marriott has a maximum capacity of 2,500. 

The Women's Fund website said that it aims 'to be the most influential organization creating transformative and sustainable change for women and girls.' 

The fund this year gave grants totaling $150,000 to 12 groups engaged in education,

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