Charities – Simply Meghan Markle

October 25 – Roundtable Discussion With The Queens Commonwealth Trust

On October 25, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex joined by Prince Harry attended a round table discussion on gender equality with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and One Young World at Windsor Castle.

Meghan is continuing her work with One Young World after attending the opening ceremony earlier in the week. This year One Young World partnered with the Queens Commonwealth Trust, of which The Duke and Duchess are President and Vice-President of to provide scholarships to young leaders driving positive social impact in the Commonwealth.

The Duchess said: “I think we’re all aware that One Young World has been very important to me for several years and now being vice president of QCTrust – it just felt like the perfect medley. What you’re all capable of doing independently is incredible but then when you work collectively, our intention today is to try to create somewhat of a task force to see what we can do within our communities and then use that knowledge to apply it to whatever is happening in all these other communities. In terms of gender equality, which is something I have championed for a long time, I think that conversation can’t happen without men being a part of it.”

The roundtable was led by Queens Commonwealth Trust chief executive Nicola Brentnall and moderated by One Young World counsellors, social media influencer Rossana Bee and Canada’s first openly gay Olympic gold medallist Mark Tewksbury.

The Duke and Duchess also heard from the founder of the south African organisation Motholung Network Against Women and Child Abuse, Lebogang Bogopane, about her personal experiences of familial domestic violence.

At the end of the meeting The Duchess said “I can’t wait for our update in three months to hear how you are all doing. Thank you for being an inspiration.”

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > October 25 | Roundtable Discussion With The Queens Commonwealth Trust

in Charities Gallery Updates Official Engagement Queen's Commonwealth Trust

October 22 – The One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony

On October 22, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex attended The One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony.

One Young World is an organization that identifies, promotes and connects the world’s most impactful young leaders to create a better world, with more responsible, more effective leadership.

The annual One Young World Summit convenes the brightest young talent from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Delegates from 190+ countries are counselled by influential political, business and humanitarian leaders. This year the summit took place in London.

Meghan has served as a Counselor in One Young World Summits before in 2014 in Dublin, and 2016 in Ottawa., alongside the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and other high profile figures.

This year, The Duchess attended in her role as Vice President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, which partnered with One Young World to bring 53 young leaders from across the Commonwealth to attend The Summit. These leaders from across the Commonwealth are delivering tangible impact on the organisation’s key focus areas: achieving change through sport, preserving and protecting the environment, creating healthier communications and increasing access to quality education.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > October 22 | The One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony

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October 15 – WellChild Awards

On October 15, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the WellChild Awards.

The WellChild Awards, celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.

Prince Harry has been Patron of the charity since 2007 which aims to ensure every child and young person living with serious health needs has the best chance to thrive with the support and medical care needed in the comfort of their own home.

During the engagement the pair met with the winners of the awards and their families as well representatives and sponsors. During the event Prince Harry delivered an emotional speech saying: “Last year when my wife and I attended we knew we were expecting our first child – no one else did at the time, but we did – and I remember squeezing Meghan’s hand so tight during the awards – both of us thinking what it would be like to be parents one day and more so, what it would be like to do everything we could to protect and help our child should they be born with immediate challenges or become unwell over time. And now, as parents, being here and speaking to all of you pulls at my heart strings in a way I could have never understood until I had a child of my own.”

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Photos & Roundup: October 01 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 9

On the final leg of The Duke and Duchesses tour of South Africa, The Duchess of Sussex travelled to Johannesburg for a number of education themed engagements.

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG: Meghan’s first stop was to the University of Johannesburg in her role as Patron of The Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Association of Commonwealth Universities is the world’s first international university network, and is the only accredited organisation representing higher education across the Commonwealth. The ACU manages international scholarship schemes, including The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, and convenes universities to address key policy challenges such as gender and equity, climate resilience, and peace and reconciliation.

During her visit The Duchess of Sussex attended a round-table discussion at the University joining students and educators who openly discussed challenges for girls gaining access to university. Meghan also revealed three new gender grants for the University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University and the University of Western Cape. Of which the grant for Stellenbosch will fund a ‘unique campus walking route’ designed to make both men and women feel safer at university. Duchess Meghan also revealed four new Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for students from Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria.

ACTIONAID: Next, The Duchess of Sussex visited a local school in Johannesburg to meet with representatives from ActionAid to discuss a range of issues including gender based and sexual violence in schools. Prince Charles is currently the Patron of ActionAid, a charity that is working to achieve social justice and gender equality, and working to eradicate poverty. Focusing specifically on women right’s which is a thread throughout their work. One of the projects Action Aid works with is the Teddy Bear Clinic, which provides essential support to children and families affected by domestic and sexual abuse. After the meeting with representatives The Duchess traveled privately to meet young girls who are being supported by ActionAid and The Teddy Bear Clinic.

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Behind the scenes with Meghan Markle: Duchess tells Bryony Gordon how vulnerability is one of humanity’s greatest strengths

Back from her African tour, the Duchess of Sussex pays a visit to a project for disadvantaged women – and tells Bryony Gordon how she encouraged Prince Harry to speak openly about his mental health

In a small, sparse room at the back of a bakery on the urban streets of Camden, north London, the Duchess of Sussex is comforting a crying woman.

Tanya’s tears fall over the scars that will remain on her cheeks for the rest of her life; stark reminders of the violent ex partner who is now serving a lengthy prison sentence after he stabbed her repeatedly.

Tanya is explaining what this, the bakery that doubles as a social enterprise, has done for her since that terrible day back in 2016. By a cruel twist of fate it was International Women’s Day when her attacker lay in wait for her outside the doors of the London university she was studying at.

Tanya had been a victim of domestic violence for a decade. “Society judges women for staying in abusive relationships,” she says to me and the Duchess. “But I don’t ever feel judged here. I feel I can be free. I feel I can be myself.”

Here is the Luminary Bakery, a small, grass roots organisation that helps to empower disadvantaged women through training and employment opportunities.
Continue reading Behind the scenes with Meghan Markle: Duchess tells Bryony Gordon how vulnerability is one of humanity’s greatest strengths

in Charities Gallery Updates Queen's Commonwealth Trust Royal Baby Royal Tour Royal Tour: South Africa

Photos & Roundup: September 23 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 1

NYANGA TOWNSHIP: The first stop on the tour was to the township of Nyanga, whose name means ‘moon’ in the local dialect of Xhosa, it is one of the oldest black townships in Cape Town and was established in 1946 as a result of the migrant labor system. At present time unemployment is above 50 per cent and HIV/Aids is a community issue. The community also has the highest murder rate in the country and tops the lists for car jackings and house robberies. Last year there were a reported 308 murders.

In this town The Duke and Duchess visited the Justice Desk initiative, which teaches children about their rights, self-awareness and safety, and provides self-defense classes and female empowerment training to young girls in the community. The Justice Desk is supported by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, of which Harry serves as President and Meghan as Vice-President. While there the Duke and Duchess met Jessica Dewhurst, Justice Desk Founder and Queen’s Young Leader, Theodora Luthuli, Justice Desk Community Leader, and Sylvia Hobe, Theodora’s mother and the center’s founder. Harry and Meghan observed the Mbokodo project which provides self-defense classes and female empowerment workshops to young girls who are overcoming major traumas. This project’s powerful motto is “wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo” which means “you strike a woman; you strike a rock” before getting the chance to talk with the girls.

Following the tour of the center, Harry and Meghan both made fantastic speeches which you can view here. Meghan said in part: “While I am here with my husband as a member of the Royal Family, I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of color, and as your sister. I am here with you and I am here for you.” The couple were then presented with a South African Xhosa name for their son Archie, “Ntsika” which means pillar of strength which was given to him by the township’s godmothers, referred to as Gogo’s. In a fun spontaneous moment at the end of the engagement Meghan joined in with the women who were dancing upon their departure. I’m sure this moment will be a favorite of many today.

DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM: In their second engagement of the day The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the District Six Museum. District Six Museum is located in an old Methodist church in the former inner-city residential area. The District Six Foundation was founded in 1989 and the museum in 1994, as a memorial to the forced movement of 60,000 inhabitants of various races in District Six during Apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. The Duke and Duchess toured the museum viewing the old traffic signs, exhibits of historical moments and lives of families from the area, historical declarations, exhibits about the demolition, and hand written notes of former inhabitants, which indicate where their houses were located.

After a short walkabout, Harry and Meghan went to the nearby Homecoming Centre where they joined former residents of District Six in a community cooking workshop. The Duke and Duchess were treated to food cooked by local women that showed a variety of recipes. This engagement goes hand in hand with Meghan’s work with the Hubb Kitchen back in London, which showcases the importance of how cooking can bring a community together. It was reported that Meghan did indeed gift the local women a copy of her ‘Together’ cookbook.

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 23 | South Africa Tour – Day 1 – Set 1
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in Charities Gallery Updates Smart Works

September 12 – Smart Works Capsule Collection Launch

Today, September 12, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex along with her patronage Smart Works launched the Smart Works Capsule Collection in London on the rooftop garden of John Lewis & Partners.

The collection brought together fashion & retail brands, Jigsaw, John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer and Misha Nonoo to create a five piece collection of work wear that includes shirts, trousers, blazers, dresses and bags.

The idea for the collection came after Meghan noticed that while donations to Smart Works were plentiful the sizes weren’t always right or the pieces didn’t always fit together.

With this new collection for every item bought, one will be donated to Smart Works.

In a statement released before the launch, Meghan said:

“Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact.

It was just last September that we launched the ‘Together’ cookbook with the women of the Hubb Kitchen in Grenfell. Now, one year later, I am excited to celebrate the launch of another initiative of women supporting women, and communities working together for the greater good.

When you buy any item in the Smart Set Capsule Collection for Smart Works, the same item will be given to a Smart Works client, and with it, the confidence and support she needs to enter the workforce and take an important step in building a career.

Thank you to the four brands who came together in supporting Smart Works on this special project – placing purpose over profit and community over competition. In convening several companies rather than one, we’ve demonstrated how we can work collectively to empower each other – another layer to this communal success story, that I am so proud to be a part of.”

Meghan also gave a wonderful six minute speech at the launch which you can watch above.

Buy The Items: M&S COLLECTION Crepe Shift Dress | John Lewis & Partners Leather Smart Set Tote Bag (SOLD OUT) | Jigsaw Smart Set Paris Trouser | Jigsaw Smart Set Paris Seam Detail Jacket | Misha Nonoo The Smart Set Shirt

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > September 12 | Smart Works Capsule Collection Launch

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Meghan Markle Announces End of Maternity Leave with Her First Official Post-Baby Engagement!

The Duchess of Sussex will step out next Thursday to launch the capsule collection of women’s workwear she created with her designer friend Misha Nonoo

Meghan Markle is making her official return to royal duties after maternity leave!

The Duchess of Sussex will step out next Thursday, Sept. 12, to launch the capsule collection of women’s workwear she created with her designer friend Misha Nonoo.

The outing marks her first official work engagement since she and Prince Harry welcomed their first child, a son they named Archie Harrison, on May 6, making her return to royal duties just over four months after Archie’s birth.

The clothing line will benefit her patronage Smart Works, a charity that helps women find employment with coaching tips and professional attire for their job interviews. For every item bought during the sale of the collection, one will be donated to Smart Works.

“When you walk into a Smart Works space you’re met with racks of clothing and an array of bags and shoes,” Meghan wrote in the September issue of British Vogue, which she guest edited. “Sometimes, however, it can be a potpourri of mismatched sizes and colors, not always the right stylistic choices or range of sizes.”

“To help with this, I asked Marks & Spencer, John Lewis & Partners, Jigsaw and my friends, the designer Mischa Nonoo, if they were willing to design a capsule collection of more classic options for a workwear wardrobe,” she added. “Taking the idea further, many of the brands agreed to use the one-for-one model: for each item purchased by a customer, one is donated to the charity. Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together.”

The royal mom shared the first glimpse of her project in a candid Instagram Story last month. In the video, which is set to the Bill Withers’ 1977 hit, “Lovely Day,” the Meghan surprises a group of women as they arrive to the collection’s photo shoot.

Meghan excitedly puts her hand to her face as the women come up the stairs to be greeted by the royal with a hug. She proceeds to help direct the shoot from the sidelines and even styles the women.

Dressed casually chic in skinny jeans, a blue-and-white striped collared shirt by sustainable British women’s shirt brand With Nothing Underneath and nude heels, Meghan is animated as she laughs and jokes around on set. At the end of the video, she excitedly claps in front of the camera.

Although Meghan has been mostly out of the spotlight since Archie’s arrival, she’s stayed very busy. In addition to her work as the guest editor of British Vogue and the capsule collection, Meghan made her first post-baby appearance at Trooping the Colour in June to celebrate Queen Elizabeth‘s birthday with the rest of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Meghan, 38, also made a surprise appearance alongside Harry when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox faced off for the first-ever regular season MLB game in London, where the new parents were presented with some baseball-themed gifts for Archie.

Meghan’s summer also included Archie’s christening, outings to Wimbledon (including watching the women’s final with sister-in-law Kate Middleton and Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton), a family outing to watch Prince William and Prince Harry play polo that marked Archie’s first public appearance and a “date night” with Harry to see The Lion King, where they met the film’s stars including Beyoncé.

Source: https://people.com

in Charities Smark Works

Meghan Markle Makes a Surprise Appearance at a Photo Shoot and She Couldn’t Look Happier

Meghan Markle shared a glimpse of her highly-anticipated charity capsule collection of work-appropriate attire in two Instagram Story videos today.

The clips show the royal-turned-designer behind the scenes at a photo shoot promoting her range of work attire, which launches this autumn. In the footage, the duchess is seen hugging models, working with photographers, and smiling proudly from the sidelines.

“Meghan surprised everyone at Smart Works when she showed up for the shoot, ” which took place today in London, a source tells BAZAAR.com.

Following the theme of office-inspired fashion, Meghan wore a blue and white striped button-down shirt by Frank & Eileen, skinny jeans, and nude pumps for the shoot.
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Duchess Meghan is collaborating with the brands Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Jigsaw, and Misha Nonoo for the collection. The initiative will support the charity Smart Works, one of her royal patronages, which helps women entering the workforce by helping them dress for jobs or prepare for interviews.

The pieces in Meghan’s capsule will sell on a “one-for-one” basis, meaning an item is donated for each item purchased. “Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together,” the Duchess of Sussex explained in British Vogue in July, when she first unveiled the project.

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

in Charities News Smart Works

Meghan Markle Is Launching a Collection of Workwear for a Good Cause

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is on a roll with her fashionable projects this week. Days after revealing that she guest edited the September issue of British Vogue, Meghan has announced that she’s launching a capsule collection of workwear to benefit her royal patronage Smart Works, a charity that benefits disadvantaged and unemployed women who are entering or returning to the workforce.

Meghan broke the news in her British Vogue issue, according to royal reporter Omid Scobie. She recruited an impressive set of collaborators for the project: British department stores Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, the brand Jigsaw, and her close friend and fashion designer Misha Nonoo.

The collection will launch later this year and will be sold on a “one-for-one basis,” meaning an item is donated for each item purchased. “Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together,” Meghan explained in the magazine.

The duchess became the royal patron of Smart Works in January and had a public engagement at the headquarters that month. During her visit, she helped style one woman for a job interview.

Meghan said during her trip, “It’s not just donating your clothes and seeing where they land, it’s really being part of each other’s success stories as women.”

Smart Works has grown quickly ever since Duchess Meghan became involved. In February, the organization helped 187 women in London, which is almost 50 percent more than it assisted in the same month last year. Considering the ever-persistent “Meghan effect,” the phenomenon of an article of clothing selling out after the duchess wears it in public, we can only imagine the impact her upcoming collection will have on Smart Works.

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

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HRH The Duchess of Sussex Interviews Michelle Obama In The September Issue

In formulating the content of the Forces for Change issue, I knew that I wanted to create a magazine that would speak not just to where we are, but to where we hope to be. In doing so, I knew we needed to both open and close strong. Like a beautiful meal: the first bite sets the tone and the final spoonful leaves you satiated, smiling, and sometimes (if you’re dining under the direction of a forward-thinking chef) even inspired. So how could I bring this issue to its logical conclusion? How could I meet that very lofty self-imposed goal?

Turns out British Vogue famously has a back page Q&A feature that is equal parts informative and whimsical, with a special guest each month. My first thought was that it needed to be someone kind, inspirational, motivating, funny, with gravitas and as much depth as levity. My second thought: it needed to be Michelle Obama.

So, over a casual lunch of chicken tacos and my ever-burgeoning bump, I asked Michelle if she would help me with this secret project.

It wasn’t a huge ask, so to speak, because the back page of Vogue comprises a few simple questions to garner a few simple answers – tidbits that would leave you, the reader, feeling all of the aforementioned sensations of this analogous culinary experience. She graciously said yes (because she’s Michelle, she’s gracious), and then very promptly sent answers (because she’s Michelle, she’s prompt).

Continue reading HRH The Duchess of Sussex Interviews Michelle Obama In The September Issue

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HRH The Duchess of Sussex Introduces The September Issue In Her Own Words

It was in early January, on a cold and blustery London day, that I sat down for a cup of tea with British Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful. Though we have several mutual friends, our first encounter had been years in the making, the impetus for which was my asking him to support an organisation I strongly believe in called Smart Works.

What evolved over the next hour was a promising pow wow of two like-minded thinkers, who have much in common, including our love of writing. Over a steaming cup of mint tea, we teased through how one can shine light in a world filled with seemingly daily darkness. Lofty? Of course. Worth it? Without question.

Within hours of our meeting’s end, we were already texting one another – philosophising about how to communicate this shared understanding and the lens through which we see the world, how to pivot from a perspective of frustration to one of optimism.

So I asked the question. Actually, I typed and deleted the question several times until I built up the courage to ask the question in question.

“Edward… instead of doing the cover, would you be open to me guest editing your September issue?”

(Mind you, I know how important the September issue is for the fashion industry. I realise the reach, and I see the opportunity to be a part of fashion’s push for something greater, kinder, more impactful. But I am also a little nervous to be boldly asking the editor-in-chief, whom I’d only just met, to take a chance on me.) Continue reading HRH The Duchess of Sussex Introduces The September Issue In Her Own Words

in Charities Gallery Updates Invictus Games

June 29 – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Attend The Boston Red Sox VS New York Yankees Baseball Game

Today, June 29, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at the Boston Red Sox VS New York Yankees Baseball Game.

In her second public appearance while on maternity leave, The Duchess of Sussex joined Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to watch the first of a two game series of the Major League Baseball (London Series), in support of Invictus Games.

Tonight’s game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox took place at London stadium, Olympic Park and is the first time Major League Baseball are hosting two regular season games in Europe.

Invictus Games has been selected as charity partner for the Major League Baseball 2019 Series. The Invictus Games Foundation is the international charity that oversees the development of the Invictus Games, an international adaptive multi-sport event in which wounded, injured or sick armed service personnel and veterans participate. It celebrates the power of sport in recovery and how it can help, physically or psychologically, those suffering from injuries or illness.

As part of the partnership, the Invictus Games Foundation have a team participating in London’s Softball 60, the social softball series built for the city and targeted to introduce the sport to new audiences and demonstrate that it is an inclusive sport.

During their visit The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with players from The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox where they received gifts for Baby Archie. Afterwards, the couple attended a reception for Invictus Games competitors and their friends and family.

Before settling in the watch the game Harry and Meghan headed to the field with competitors to observe the national anthems performed by the Kingdom Choir, who performed at the couple’s wedding and to see the first pitch be thrown.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > June 29 |Boston Red Sox VS New York Yankees Baseball Game

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Officially Split From Their Joint Charity with Prince William and Kate Middleton

Prince Harry and Meghan are leaving the Royal Foundation that they currently share with Prince William and Kate and will set up their own charitable foundation later this year, it has been announced. Kensington Palace announced the split today, but said that the couples will continue to work together on key projects such as their mental health campaign Heads Together.

The move comes following the announcement in March that the Sussexes will set up their own household with a new team. It also comes amid suggestions that the two couples have not been getting along, but palace aides said today that the decision about the Foundation was taken with the couples “divergent paths” in mind and was designed to be “future proof” for decades. Aides also pointed to the fact that the Cambridges path as future King and Queen is more restricted and the Sussexes have more freedom to pursue different types of charity projects.

“Later this year The Royal Foundation will become the principal charitable and philanthropic vehicle for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” reads a statement from Kensington Palace. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will establish their own new charitable foundation with transitional operating support from The Royal Foundation.”

A spokesman described the changes as “designed to best complement the work and responsibilities of Their Royal Highnesses as they prepare for their future roles, and to better align their charitable activity with their new households.”

Both William and Harry attended a meeting of the Foundation trustees at Kensington Palace yesterday where they arrived together and spoke with trustees about the changes. “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are incredibly proud of what they have achieved together through the Royal Foundation,” says a spokesman. “They are especially proud to have established a charity that has had, and will continue to have, significant long-lasting impact, changing lives for the better.”

The decision, described as a “collective decision,” is the conclusion of a months-long review which began following the announcement that the Sussexes would establish their own household. The current Foundation will be known as The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and will continue to house joint initiatives such as Heads Together.

Aides said that any projects solely associated with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the funds allocated to them would likely become part of the new Foundation, but details on individual projects have yet to be decided. Aides stressed that the couples’ commitment to their charities was “absolutely paramount.”

As part of the changes, it is understood that a small number of posts are being put at risk of redundancy.

The Foundation was created in 2009 as an umbrella organization for William and Harry’s charitable endeavors. Kate became the third patron after marrying William in 2011 and Meghan joined as the fourth patron after her marriage to Harry last year.

Ahead of the Sussex’s wedding, in February of 2018, the foursome took park in a joint charity forum where they spoke about their charitable focusses and the work of the Foundation under the theme ‘Making a Difference Together.’

The Foundation has played host to several successful initiatives, most notably the young royals’ mental health campaign Heads Together. It has given out grants including £2 million in October 2017 towards backing digital solutions for mental health. The organization also created the Endeavour Fund, which supports wounded, injured or sick service personnel to use sport and adventure as part of their recovery. Additionally, Meghan’s cookbook to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, which has sold 130,000 copies worldwide, was supported by the Foundation.

Source: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/

in Charities Heads Together Official Statements The Royal Foundation

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