Meghan Markle kicked off an upbeat spring with a special surprise appearance.

Earlier this spring, the Duchess of Sussex visited patients at Children's Hospital Los Angeles as part of the medical center's annual "Make March Matter" initiative. Markle, author of the picture book "The Bench," read to the patients from her picture books, including "Pete the Cat" and "Rosie Revere, Engineer." He also led the children and staff in science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities related to the theme of each picture book. (Photos from the March 21 event were released Tuesday, April 2.)

Markle's look for the surprise visit incorporated the spring pastel color trend and translucent fabrics. She wore a silk button-up dress from Oscar de la Renta's Pre-Spring 2022 collection and paired it with pointed-toe flats from Aquazzura. The mint blue shirt dress featured translucent sleeves and a pleated skirt covered in a watercolor floral pattern.

Both items have appeared in Markle's wardrobe before: in the 2022 Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex wore an Oscar de la Renta dress in a scene shot at the former Frogmore Cottage mansion appeared in the film. Meanwhile, her flat shoes appeared in the wardrobe of the 2023 Invictus Games. (Even with a new stylist, the Duchess of Sussex seems to re-wear her favorite items for every event.)

Markle has quietly appeared at charity events this spring; in March, she and Prince Harry spoke at the Kinsey Collection, an African-American museum at Los Angeles' Sophie Stadium. On this occasion, she wore a floral Carolina Herrera cape.

People reported that the mother of two made a much-appreciated appearance during a storytime at Children's Hospital. According to a statement from the hospital, she "became a character with each turn of the page" as she read to the audience.

Items inspired by Markle's dress and shoes are available at.