Simply Meghan Markle

Photos & Roundup: February 24 – Royal Visit Morocco – Day 2

EDUCATION FOR ALL: On day two of Their Royal Highness’ tour of Morocco, education took center stage. The Duke and Duchess traveled by helicopter to the Atlas mountains to visit Asni and the ‘Education for All’ boarding houses there. The boarding houses run by a Moroccan NGO, provide access to secondary school learning for girls between the ages of 12 and 18 who live in rural areas live nearer to their school so they can continue their education. Upon The Duke and Duchess’s arrival the girl’s greeted them with a welcome song. Inside the classroom, Harry and Meghan talked with girls studying for exams, and chatted about what courses they would like to take in university, and what careers they would like to pursue. In their second visit The Duke and Duchess visited Lycée Collegial Le Grand Atlas, a school next to the ‘Education for All’ boarding houses where students were practicing their English. During this visit a Henna ceremony was performed on The Duchess of Sussex, which is a Moroccan tradition for pregnant women and the couple spoke with teachers from the Lycée Collegial Le Grand Atlas, and then enjoyed watching a football match after classes, meeting with the players.

VIDEOS: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Visit Girls School in Morocco

Later in the afternoon, The Duke of Sussex presented Founder of ‘Education for All’, Michael McHugo, with an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2019 for services to improving gender quality in education in Morocco. The presentation happened on the roof of the original ‘Education for All’ boarding house. After the ceremony, The Duke and Duchess met with some of the girls’ who have lived in the ‘Education for All’ boarding houses, and well as tose who have helped make ‘Education for All’ a success, including housemothers, who look after around 40 girls in each boarding house throughout the week.

EVENING RECEPTION: For their final engagement of the day The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a reception at the official residence of the British Ambassador, Thomas Reilly in Rabat. Greeted by Reilly;s daughters and welcomed with a traditional rose-water ceremony they met young entrepreneurs, influential women in Moroccan society, military representatives and disabled athletes.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > Morocco Tour > February 24 | Morocco Tour – Day 1 – Set 1
Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > Morocco Tour > February 24 | Morocco Tour – Day 1 – Set 2
Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > Morocco Tour > February 24 | Morocco Tour – Day 1 – Set 3

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Photos & Roundup: February 23 – Royal Visit Morocco – Day 1

OFFICIAL WELCOME: It’s officially the start of The Duke and Duchess’s brief three-day tour of Morocco! The tour will focus heavily on girl’s education and empowerment as well as supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The couple arrived an hour late to Casablanca Airport due to a flight delay with a small entourage. They were officially welcomed by the British Ambassador to Morocco Thomas Reilly, his wife, and other officials. Prince Harry then went on to inspect a Guard of Honour and the couple were then greeted by 15 year old Crown Prince Moulay Hassan at the Royal Residence.

VIDEOS: Prince Harry and Meghan Touch Down in Casablanca on Morocco Visit

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > Morocco Tour > February 23 | Morocco Tour – Day 1 – Set 1

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Inside Meghan Markle’s ‘Beautiful’ Baby Shower Serena Williams Hosted in New York City

Meghan Markle spent her final full day in New York City attending the spectacular baby shower her friend Serena Williams hosted for her in the penthouse suite of the Upper East Side’s five-star Mark Hotel.

A Royal insider shared with ELLE.com that “the shower was a chance for Meg to share excitement of the baby with her closest friends, some of which she hadn’t seen for some time. It was a beautiful gathering filled with love and celebration—she couldn’t stop smiling.”

While Meghan has adjusted to life behind Palace walls, she relishes the time with her nearest and dearest, many of whom live on the other side of the Atlantic in the U.S. or Canada.

Williams took special care planning the perfect party for Meghan: “Serena had made sure all the little things she liked were there: her favorite foods, flowers and music. Everything was so thoughtful and tastefully done,” the source said. Continue reading Inside Meghan Markle’s ‘Beautiful’ Baby Shower Serena Williams Hosted in New York City

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Duchess Meghan Makes Surprise Visit to NYC for a Girls’ Trip

After back to back engagements and the launch of four successful patronages, the Duchess of Sussex is taking a well-earned break—in New York!

Sources reveal to BAZAAR.com that Duchess Meghan has made a personal visit to the Big Apple to see friends ahead of the birth of Baby Sussex in less two months.

Meghan flew from London to New York on Friday, February 15, for five nights of rest, shopping, and good food with some of her closest and most loyal pals—her first time in NYC since getting married.

“The trip is a lovely chance to catch up with friends and spend time in a city she loves,” says a source close to the duchess, who notes the trip was planned months ago. “This will be the last time a lot of them will see Meg until after the baby is born so it’s nice to share precious moments.”

While Meghan is spending much of her days enjoying the amenities and private dining arrangements available at her five-star hotel (name respectfully withheld for security reasons), there has also been time to enjoy some of her favorite spots in the city.

Joined by stylist pal Jessica Mulroney, who was in town for Good Morning America commitments, the pair visited Ladurée in New York’s SoHo district on Saturday, February 16, for macarons and tea in one of the bakery’s private spaces.

Adds a source, “It’s been a relaxing visit. Nothing beats face time with your friends. Meg will be flying home refreshed and relaxed—and with a lot of new baby clothes.”

Just a day before traveling, the duchess spent a quiet Valentine’s Day with Prince Harry at their Kensington Palace home—a world away from what she once described as the perfect Valentine’s in NYC.

In a February 2016 post on her lifestyle blog The Tig, Meghan wrote, “This Valentine’s Day I will be with friends, running amok through the streets of New York, likely imbibing some cocktail that’s oddly pink, and jumping over icy mounds in my new shoes through the salted snowy streets of the West Village.”

Later this week, Meghan will be taking her last flight until after the birth. She’s headed to Morocco with her husband for an official two-day visit to North Africa arranged by the British government.

Says a Palace spokesman of the February 23–25 trip, “The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to the visit which will highlight the vital roles that girls’ education and youth empowerment are playing in, and shaping, modern Morocco.”

Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com

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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

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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 Official Engagement Royal Tour: Morocco Royal Visit

The Duke And Duchess of Sussex Will Visit Morocco

Kensington Palace announced this morning that Harry and Meghan will undertake a three day visit to Morocco, North Africa later this month.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Morocco from Saturday 23rd February to Monday 25th February 2019. This visit is at the request of Her Majesty's Government.

Full details of the visit will be announced in due course. pic.twitter.com/zXAUIVhEdm

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 8, 2019

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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

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February 01 – The Duke and Duchess Visit Bristol

The Duke and Duchess battled a snowy weather conditions for a day of engagements in Bristol. Arriving a few minutes late by train, Their Royal Highnesses jumped right into their walkabout greeting well-wishers who had lined the streets to see them before heading to their first stop, Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world. Once inside the couple toured the recently renovated theater, chatted with students taking part in workshops and enjoyed a performance from the Young Company from their production ‘Hercules’.

VIDEOS: Duke and Duchess Brave the Snow in Bristol

The Duke and Duchess then made a surprise visit to the One 25 Charity to see how they are helping women to break free from street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues. They met with volunteers who help run the outreach programme and Meghan helped pack lunches and warm clothing which will be distributed to women working on the streets. A key moment from this event came when Meghan decided to write positive messages on banana skins.

VIDEOS: Duchess of Sussex writes encouraging messages for sex workers

Lastly, The Duke and Duchess visited Empire Fighting Chance, a charity that supports children who are failing at school and in danger of drifting into a life of unemployment or even crime, and helps them turn their lives around. Harry and Meghan chatted with young girls taking part in the program, while Harry had a key moment himself, clearing the room to talk for ten minutes with a boy whose father had passed away.

VIDEOS: Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Bristol boxing gym

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2019 > February 01 | The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Visit Bristol

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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

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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

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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!

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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/

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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

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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