Charities – Simply Meghan Markle

The Cambridges & Sussexes Launch Mental Health Texting Service ‘Shout’

It’s been a busy week for the royals, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcoming their first child, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveling to Wales for a day of engagements, and Prince Harry visiting the Hague to launch an Invictus Games 2020 countdown. And now, both royal couples are coming together to launch an initiative that speaks to an issue they’ve long championed: mental health awareness.

The Cambridges and Sussexes have teamed up to debut Shout, a text messaging service available 24/7 to those struggling with mental health in the U.K. The program pairs users with trained volunteers to help those in need “move from a moment of crisis to a calm state and form a plan for next steps to find longer-term support,” according to a Kensington Palace announcement.

Shout is a part of the Royal Foundation’s Heads Together initiative, a campaign established in 2016 that works with a variety of charities to break the stigma around conversations surrounding mental health issues.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a joint statement about Shout:

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this service, knowing it has the potential to reach thousands of vulnerable people every day. Over the last few months Shout has started working quietly behind the scenes. We have all been able to see the service working up close and are so excited for its future. At the heart of this service will be an incredible national volunteer community, one which needs to grow to allow us to support more people in crisis. We hope that many more of you will join us and be part of something very special.”

Prince William also appears in a launch video for the service, discussing the work that went into the launching the program. “Over the past few months, Shout has started working quietly behind the scenes,” he says. “Harry, Meghan, Catherine and I have been able to see the service working up close, and are very excited for its future.”

Shout already has a volunteer base of 1,000, but the organization hopes to increase that to 4,000 by the end of 2019. Prince William closes his message with a final call to action: “This will make a huge difference to people’s lives, and I really hope you will come and join our team.”

Source: Harpers Bazaar

in Charities Mayhew News

A Hashtag in Meghan Markle’s Honor Has Helped Raise Charitable Donations All Over the World

Sometimes, social media can be used for good. While Meghan Markle has been on the receiving end of some horrendous online abuse since becoming a duchess, it seems that some kind-hearted folk have decided to pay it forward in her honor instead.

Royal commentator Omid Scobie revealed that several charities that Meghan is involved with have been receiving donations in honor of Meghan and Harry’s baby. Scobie tweeted, “Proof that social media can be a positive place. Charities including @themayhew @Camfed and @WellChild have been receiving donations from Duchess Meghan fans around the world who started the hashtag #GlobalSussexBabyShower to celebrate Baby Sussex’s impending arrival. Very cool.”

As Meghan has faced quite so much abuse online and in the press since she married Prince Harry, it’s heartening to know that social media can actual have a positive impact, too.

Back in March 2019, Meghan took part in a panel for International Women’s Day at King’s College London. The duchess revealed that she tries to avoid social media saying (via ITV News), “I don’t read anything, it’s much safer that way, but equally that’s just my own personal preference, because I think positive or negative, it can all sort of just feel like noise to a certain extent these days.” But hopefully, the donations made in honor of #GlobalSussexBabyShower will show Meghan that she has a lot of supporters worldwide, too.

Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/

in Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement Queen's Commonwealth Trust

March 08 – International Women’s Day Panel Discussion

On International Womens Day March 08, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex, Vice-President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust joined a special panel of female thought-leaders and activists to discuss a range of issues affecting women today. Hosted by Kings College London, the event brought together Annie Lennox OBE, founder of The Circle, an organisation supporting and empowering women’s lives around the world; Adwoa Aboah, founder of Gurls Talk, an open community where young girls can talk about the issues that matter to them; Julia Gillard, Former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London. Also on the panel was Chrisann Jarrett, Founder of Let us Learn; and Angeline Murimirwa, Executive Director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa and co-founder of CAMA, a pan-African network of young female leaders and Anne McElvoy, Senior Editor of The Economist was chair. In front of In front of an audience of students, opinion formers and young leaders The Duchess spoke at length about the obstacles that women face and the global opportunities that could be unlocked if girls and women are treated fairly and equally alongside men.

A video of the panel will be available soon.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > March 08 | International Women’s Day Panel Discussion

in Charities News Queen's Commonwealth Trust

Duchess of Sussex Appointed Vice-President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex will today become Vice-President of the Trust. The Trust, of which Her Majesty The Queen is Patron and The Duke of Sussex is President, exists to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are driving positive social change, serving their communities and providing hope, work and self-employment opportunities for others.

In this new role, The Duchess will highlight the Trust’s partnerships with young people across the Commonwealth, and in particular its work supporting women and girls. In celebration of International Women’s Day and to mark this appointment, Her Royal Highness will this afternoon join a special panel discussion of female thought-leaders and activists convened by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, to discuss a range of issues affecting women today.

Lord Geidt, Chairman, said:

“The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is thrilled to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as its Vice-President. The support and encouragement which Her Royal Highness will bring to the young leaders with whom we work promises to have a profound effect. We are enormously grateful to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for this signal of commitment they are making to our work, helping The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust to pursue its ambitions right across the Commonwealth and beyond.”

Nicola Brentnall, Chief Executive, said:

“We are particularly delighted that the first opportunity of formally working together with Her Royal Highness comes on International Women’s Day. This squares perfectly with our focus on amplifying the work and contribution of those furthest away from power. Women across the Commonwealth and the globe often face the biggest impediments to success. So we are delighted to have our Vice-President’s support in helping others to overcome those obstacles.’

Those joining The Duchess for the unique panel today include Annie Lennox OBE, founder of The Circle, an organisation supporting and empowering women’s lives around the world; Adwoa Aboah, founder of Gurls Talk, an open community where young girls can talk about the issues that matter to them; Julia Gillard, Former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London; Chrisann Jarrett, Founder of Let Us Learn; and Angeline Murimirwa, Executive Director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Africa and co-founder of CAMA, a pan-African network of young female leaders. The panel will be chaired by Anne McElvoy, Senior Editor of The Economist.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust will be live posting on its social channels on Friday 8th March 2019 and a full video of the discussion will be shared by 5:00pm GMT on the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust website.

Source: Official Site of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust

in Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement

February 12 – The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Attend A Gala Performance Of “The Wider Earth”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out for a gala night for a new play that heralds a cause close to their hearts on Tuesday.

The royal couple, who are expecting their first child this spring, attended a special performance at the Natural History Museum in London of Wider Earth, a new theater production that supports their work on behalf of protecting forests around the world.

The Duchess of Sussex sported a monochrome look for the outing, pairing a cream-colored turtleneck dress by Calvin Klein with a coat by Amanda Wakeley, which she previously wore in March 2018 for a church service celebrating Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey. She carried the olive green clutch and green suede pumps she wore for Prince Louis’ christening last summer, and swept her hair into a romantic updo.

Inside the historic London landmark museum, the couple met donors and children and took a peek at some of the exhibits on show, including a preserved common octopus collected by Darwin in 1832, a first copy of On The Origin of Species, and a collection of wasps he made on The Beagle and other voyages.

The production centers around Charles Darwin’s journey aboard the HMS Beagle. The event was in support of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, of which Harry, 34, is president, and the production’s official charitable partner, The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) — a network of conservation initiatives to conserve indigenous forests across the globe.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > February 12 | Attending The Wider Earth gala performance

in Charities News

Duchess of Sussex visit leads to first international donations for sex workers charity

Until recently the Bristol-based project One25 had been a little-known charity quietly trying to improve the lives of vulnerable sex workers.

But now, following a visit by the Duchess of Sussex, it has found fame across the world, even receiving its first ever donations from overseas.

In an example of what is being called ‘the Meghan effect’ the charity has been sent hundreds of pounds from donors in the US, New Zealand and Jamaica. Donations have also come in from Switzerland and Canada.

Photographs of the Duchess touring the project – and writing messages of support for the sex workers on bananas included in food parcels for them – were seen around the world, leading to One25’s website receiving a surge in visits, with thousands more logging on to read about their work.

As a result of media coverage of the Duchess’s visit others also sent in items for distribution to sex-workers operating on the street, such as umbrellas, socks and gloves

Anna Smith, the charity’s chief executive, said: “The upsurge in interest in our work as a result of Meghan’s visit has been incredible. We’ve had our first donations from overseas. There’s been lots of interest from America, but also from other countries.” Continue reading Duchess of Sussex visit leads to first international donations for sex workers charity

in Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement The Royal Foundation

February 07 – The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Attend The Endeavour Fund Awards

Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attended The Endeavour Fund Awards at Draper’s Hall in London, England. Meghan fist attended the awards last year while engaged to Harry. The awards recognize the significant achievement of nine members of the Armed Forces Community who were injured or fell ill in service, but have gone on to use sport and adventurous challenge as part of their recovery and rehabilitation. The Endeavour Fund, led by The Duke of Sussex and The Royal Foundation, provides financial backing and guidance to programmes and charities across the UK that support thousands of service personnel and veterans reach their full potential. There are three nominees for each award that have been chosen from a long list of applicants. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chaired the judging panel which has decided the final winners, who were announced at the Endeavour Fund Awards ceremony.

Upon arrival Harry and Meghan attended the pre-ceremony reception where they met the nominees, as well as endeavour participants and key supporters of the Endeavour Fund. At the ceremony Meghan presented the award for Celebrating Excellence Award to Nathan Forster, before presenting the award Meghan said: “I’m so, so grateful to be back. Last year was my first time coming and it was such a meaningful night. Before the reception Harry and I were talking to all the nominees and in speaking to one of them he said, you know after I mentioned to him, ‘Gosh the impact you guys make is huge. It’s so much bigger than you.’ No it’s not about us, it’s the ripple effect. And, in true modesty of all the nominees; yes it is about the ripple effect. What I admired in him – and I feel is true about all the nominees – is you don’t have that ripple effect unless each of you is brave enough to make that first wave. It’s so important to remember that because what you’re doing is inspiring so many people – so thank you from all of us for being that inspiration.”

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > February 07 | Attending The Endeavour Fund Awards

in Association of Commonwealth Universities Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement

January 31 – The Duchess of Sussex Visits The ACU

Today, (January 31, 2018) The Duchess of Sussex in her new role as Patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities made a visit to City, University of London to meet with students from the Commonwealth now studying in the UK. The ACU is the world’s first and oldest international university network, with more than 500 member institutions in over 50 countries. Her Majesty The Queen passed on the patronage to The Duchess of Sussex earlier this year after having held the role for the past 33 years. During her visit Meghan met with scholars and students alike hearing their stories and learning about the work done by the ACU. After her visit Meghan took a few moments to greet the crowd of students who had been waiting anxiously for her in the cold. At one point the crowd started chanting her name.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > January 31| The Duchess of Sussex Visits The ACU

in Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement Royal Visit The National Theatre

January 30 – Visiting The National Theatre

Today, (January 30, 2019) The Duchess of Sussex made her first visit to the National Theatre as Patron. Her Majesty The Queen passed on the Patronage to Meghan having held the role for the past 45 years, earlier this year. During this visit Meghan took the opportunity to learn about the National Theatre’s work with arts and community organisations across the UK. As well as meet with current and former Nation Theatre apprentices. She also enjoyed a performance inspired by War Horse by schoolchildren from Edith Neville Primary School in Camden, which was created to mark the centenary of Armistice Day and watched a line run from Shakespeare’s Pericles — the NT’s first Public Arts production of Pericles was performed by a company of over 200 people of all ages recruited through the National Theatre’s partners.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > January 30 |Visiting National Theatre

in Association of Commonwealth Universities Charities News Official Engagement The National Theatre

Inside Meghan Markle’s Busy Week Ahead — Including a Day Away with Harry!

Meghan Markle‘s royal calendar is jam-packed!

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, is ending the month with a set of solo engagements before kicking off February with a joint outing with Prince Harry, Kensington Palace announced on Friday.

Meghan recently announced the four causes she will officially champion in her royal life, and she’s already paid visits to animal charity Mayhew and Smart Works, a charity that helps vulnerable and longterm unemployed women regain the skills and confidence to get into work.

On Wednesday, the former Suits star will make her first official appearance at another patronage, the National Theatre. The patronage, one of the two roles handed to her by Queen Elizabeth, fits perfectly with Meghan’s acting background.

Meghan will join a workshop with members of the Pericles company, the National Theatre’s first Public Acts production in 2018 which brought over 200 people together with six professional actors to breathe new life into the Shakespeare classic in a musical version. She will then meet current and former apprentices who are working as technicians in various departments including carpentry, metal work and painting. Continue reading Inside Meghan Markle’s Busy Week Ahead — Including a Day Away with Harry!

in Charities News

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Honor Veterans at Surprise Judging Panel

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry helped honor a courageous group of heroes.

The couple took part in a panel on Wednesday for the Endeavour Awards at Kensington Palace.

The awards, set up by the Royal Foundation overseen by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, recognize serving and former service members who have used athletics or adventure to challenge themselves as part of their recovery and rehabilitation.

The Sussexes’ role had been previously unannounced. The ceremony is likely to be held in the coming weeks.

Last year, Meghan also helped in the judging — and, on February 1, joined Harry at the special awards evening to hand out one of them. “I’m truly privileged to be here,” she said in a short speech before giving the prize. That evening, which was their first night out in an official capacity since they’d announced their engagement, came as Harry’s brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate, were away on their week-long tour of Sweden and Norway.

The awards align with other royally backed initiatives to help veterans, including Harry’s Invictus Games.

Former Army captain Prince Harry “really becomes himself when he’s around veterans,” David Wiseman, who heads much of the military support work done by the Royal Foundation and its Endeavour Awards, previously told PEOPLE. “He can speak openly. He understands he comes from a position of privilege, and he’s not ashamed of that. He understands it’s his duty to use that to have a positive impact. He had a vision for the Invictus Games, and when he’s got a vision, he’s a driver — he drives people toward that vision.”

He added, “Meghan’s incredibly passionate. They’re an incredible match.”

Source: https://people.com/

in Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement Sentebale

January 16 – The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Attend The Premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Totem

This evening, (January 16, 2019) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Totem in support of Sentebale, at the Royal Albert Hall. The evening helped raise awareness and funds for Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale, which works with children and young people affected by HIV. Prince Harry co-founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Before and after the performance The Duke and Duchess met with performers and representatives from Sentebale and Cirque du Soleil. This evening’s show was the second event in a series of ‘Sentebale Nights’ which is continuing to build on the success of the charity’s first production and partnership with the hit musical ‘Hamilton’ which was also attended by The Duke and Duchess back in August of last year.

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > January 16 | Attending Premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Totem

in Charities Gallery Updates Mayhew Official Engagement

January 16 – The Duchess of Sussex Visits The Mayhew

In her first engagement of the day and her first visit as Patron, The Duchess of Sussex visited Mayhew. The Mayhew is an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and people in communities both in London and internationally. Meghan met with volunteers and residents who have used some of the Mayhew’s services including The TheraPaws Program which uses volunteers and their therapy dogs to go into care and residential homes, hospitals, hospices and day centres across London to engage with residents, provide companionship and brighten up their day and the Mayhew’s Pet Refuge, which provides shelter and care for the pets of people in crisis for short periods of time, like being hospitalised. The Duchess chatted with Afghanistan Country Director, Dr Mo, to learn more about the Mayhew’s work abroad and Head Vet Nurse, Gillian Rich RVN, who spoke about the veterinary work they do on-site at the Community Vet Clinic. Ever the animal lover Meghan was smitten with several of the dogs who either have been adopted from the shelter or looking for their forever homes. We’re sure they won’t be looking for long now!

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > January 16 | The Duchess of Sussex Visits The Mayhew

in Charities Official Engagement Smart Works

January 10 – The Duchess of Sussex Visits Smart Works

Today, (January 10, 2019) The Duchess of Sussex visited Smart Works, a charity that helps long term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence and tools to succeed at job interviews, return to employment and transform their lives. The charity offers high quality interview clothes and interview training to unemployed women in need. During The Duchess of Sussex’s visit she joined a discussion with volunteers and women they have helped succeed in job interviews and coached a client to help her start her own business. She also took part in two styling session, helping a woman named Patsy style an outfit for her new job. Today, Meghan was announced as Patron of the charity.

Lady Hughes-Hallett, Chair and Founder of Smart Works, said:

“We are thrilled to announce that The Duchess of Sussex will become the Royal Patron of Smart Works. An acknowledged champion of women and their rights worldwide, The Duchess will motivate ever more women to come to our centres and get the job that will transform their lives. The Duchess’s patronage will inspire the women we serve and help them reach for the stars.”

“We have been honoured to welcome The Duchess to our West London centre and see her engage with our clients and volunteers. Her empathy and insight were obvious. The Duchess is a natural coach and our clients were inspired and helped by her.”

Kate Stephens, CEO of Smart Works, said:

“We are delighted to announce that HRH The Duchess of Sussex is our Royal Patron. At Smart Works, we are passionate about helping women be the best that they can be. It is the Smart Works vision that one day we will have enough centres nationwide to reach every woman who needs us. The support of The Duchess of Sussex will help us enormously in achieving this goal.”

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > January 10 | The Duchess of Sussex Visits Smart Works

in Association of Commonwealth Universities Charities Mayhew Smart Works The National Theatre

The Duchess of Sussex’s First Patronages Announced

This morning Kensington Palace released a statement announcing Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s first patronages. The four organizations reflect causes and issues Meghan has focused on throughout her humanitarian work, including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare. Two of the organizations have been personally handed down from The Queen. You can read the press release below:

Her Majesty The Queen has passed on two patronages to The Duchess of Sussex –The National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Queen has held the roles for 45 and 33 years respectively. Her Royal Highness will also take on Patronage of two additional charities as part of her official working portfolio – Smart Works and Mayhew.

The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes. Her Royal Highness feels she can use her position to focus attention on, and make a particular difference to these organisations and, more widely, the sectors they each represent.

For the arts, the National Theatre’s mission is to make world class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring for everyone and to be as inclusive, diverse and national as possible. In support of access to education, the Association of Commonwealth Universities is the world’s first and oldest international university network and the only accredited organisation representing higher education across all 53 Commonwealth countries.

With regards to supporting women, Smart Works helps long-term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence and tools to succeed at job interviews, return to employment and transform their lives. In terms of animal welfare, Mayhew is a grassroots charity working in a unique way to improve the lives of animals and people to better communities both in London and internationally.

Over the last year, Her Royal Highness has held meetings and conducted private visits with each of these organisations. The Duchess will today visit Smart Works and over the next few weeks will undertake public visits to the other three organisations.

Continue Reading At Kensington Palace’s Official Site…