Charities – Simply Meghan Markle

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/

in Charities News

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

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.”