Simply Meghan Markle

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

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January 14 – The Duke And Duchess of Sussex Visit Birkenhead

Today, (January 14, 2018) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Birkenhead for a day of engagements. The royal couple started off their day at Hamilton Square where they viewed a new sculpture erected in November to mark the 100th anniversary of Wilfred Owen’s death. The statue, named after one of the war poet’s poems ‘Futility’, is cast in bronze and represents an exhausted WW1 soldier. Harry and Meghan met local veterans and members of the Birkenhead Institute Old Boys, of which Wilfred Owen belonged to, and which played a part in the creation of the tribute. The couple then greeted the large crowds of waiting admirers. During the walkabout Meghan revealed that she is six months pregnant, but revealed later that she and Harry don’t know if the baby is a boy or girl.

In the couple’s second unannounced engagement they officially opened Number 7, a ‘Feeding Birkenhead’ citizens supermarket and community cafe, at Princess Pavements, Pyramids Shopping Centre,the new store enables local families to buy their weekly shopping at a discounted price, and provides advice and advocacy on benefits, looking for work, debt, budgeting, and cooking. They also revealed plans to launch a “baby basics” program which will provide baby clothes and toiletries to new moms. The couple toured the new supermarket and enjoyed coffee and tea with the locals.

The Duke and Duchess then visited Tomorrows Women, an organization that supports women in vulnerable circumstances. They offer an extensive range of training courses and workshops for more than 6000 women as well as support groups focusing on mental health issues, domestic abuse, and addiction. Harry and Meghan met women taking part in a knitting and flower arranging sessions.

Their last stop of the day was at The Hive, a safe environment for young people to enjoy themselves, building key skills and raising their aspirations and confidence. Harry and Meghan enjoyed a performance upon their arrival by the Junior Dance Troupe and took part in a number of activities and workshops throughout the centre.

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > January 14 |The Duke And Duchess of Sussex Visit Birkenhead

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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…

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The Queen Will Give Her Role at the National Theatre to Meghan Markle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will begin the new year with an away day to the north west of England, Kensington Palace said on Monday. After taking a short break to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, the couple is back in London and will resume work with a visit to the town of Birkenhead, Merseyside.

According to the itinerary released this afternoon by Kensington Palace, Harry and Meghan will meet veterans and unveil a plaque in the town’s Hamilton Square before visiting an organization that supports vulnerable women and the Hive, Wirral Youth Zone where they will take part in workshops.

As Vanity Fair revealed last year, Meghan, who is feeling well during the third trimester of her pregnancy, has asked aides to fill her diary right up to her due date and the couple is likely to carry out many more engagements over the coming months. Last year, Meghan and Harry clocked up an impressive 289 engagements in the U.K. and overseas, and plans are being drawn up for a tour to Canada and the U.S. this autumn. Continue reading The Queen Will Give Her Role at the National Theatre to Meghan Markle

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Meghan Markle in 2018: Why the Duchess of Success Is Just Getting Started

Ms. Markle is looking forward to hitting the ground running,” were the famous words uttered by a Kensington Palace spokesman to a room full of journalists, including this one, during a briefing just over a year ago.

After months of speculation about Meghan’s potential as a member of the royal family, a November 28, 2017 press conference in Buckingham Palace, just a day after her engagement to Prince Harry was announced, offered a glimpse of what was to come.

Having already used the small platform she created while on Suits to spread the word of women’s rights in India and female empowerment for the UN, it was clear Meghan had big plans for her life as a duchess. But even those with the highest of expectations didn’t imagine she would be closing out 2018 with 105 royal engagements under her belt, a four-country tour completed, and a New York Times bestseller. Hit the ground running indeed.

In all honesty, Meghan needn’t have lifted a finger to leave so many impressed this year. Her May wedding to Prince Harry carried powerful cultural meaning, with its sensitive mix of African-American worship tradition and Windsor custom showing us the monarchy was more open to change than we once believed. And to those watching around the world? I’d like to think their marriage has helped further shape how people perceive interracial relationships. Continue reading Meghan Markle in 2018: Why the Duchess of Success Is Just Getting Started

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Why 2018 was the year of Meghan Markle

She started the year as Meghan Markle but is ending it as The Duchess of Sussex and soon-to-be mother to the seventh in line to the throne. It has been a whirlwind 12 months for the former actress whose arrival into the royal family has captivated the world.

From Brixton to Bondi Beach, Nottingham to Nuku’alofa, crowds have cheered, chanted and even cried after meeting Meghan, who officially took her place in the history books when she married Prince Harry in May.

For the second year running her name was the most searched on google.co.uk, while “Royal Wedding” and “Royal Baby” topped the charts for news event trends.

It would be difficult to think of another person who has generated such global interest throughout the whole of 2018, and Meghan’s star is not showing any signs of fading as she prepares for a future in the spotlight.

Continue reading Why 2018 was the year of Meghan Markle

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Photos: December 25 – Christmas Day Church Service At Sandringham

Merry Christmas, everyone! Today (December 25, 2018) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined Prince William and Kate Middleton for the royal family’s annual walk to church services in the English countryside on Tuesday morning. And just like last year, Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34, walked to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene alongside William and Kate.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2018 > December 25 | Christmas Day Church Service At Sandringham

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The night Meghan Markle broke the internet

Photographed at London’s Fashion Awards on 10 December, a pregnant Meghan Markle was rendered beatific, but within hours the image caused the internet to enter meltdown. Pandora Sykes speaks to the photographer who captured the image and explains why the Duchess Of Sussex is one of the greatest influencers of our time.

It must be a sad month in the Kardashian-West household. Kim’s bottom, once pronounced to have broken the internet, is no longer the tumulus at the centre of cultural commentary. For there is a new controversial curve in town: the Duchess Of Sussex’s stomach.

Photographed at London’s Fashion Awards on 10 December, a pregnant Meghan Markle was rendered beatific, in a beam of light. Her smile at full wattage, with both arms encircling her prominent, pregnant belly, Markle appeared on stage in a simple black, one-shouldered gown, to present Givenchy artistic director and designer of her wedding dress Clare Waight-Keller with an award for Best British Designer. And within hours, this image had caused the internet to descend into clamorous debate. Continue reading The night Meghan Markle broke the internet

in Gallery Updates Royal Family Outing

December 19 – Queens’s Christmas Lunch At Buckingham Palace

Today, (December 19, 2018) The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined The Queen and other members of The Royal Family at Buckingham Palace for the Queens’s Christmas Lunch. As usual this is a private family event so the only photos we will see are from the arrivals and departures. Thanks so much to Holly at Connie-Britton.Com for donating some of the photos.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2018 > December 19 | Queens’s Christmas Lunch At Buckingham Palace

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December 18 – The Duchess Of Sussex Visits Brinsworth House

Today, (December 18, 2018) The Duchess of Sussex visited Brinsworth House, a residential and nursing retirement home for theatre and entertainment professionals in Staines Road, Twickenham, west London, England. The Duchess expressed the desire to visit the home after seeing footage of it at the end of this years’s Royal Variety Performance which she attended back in November with Prince Harry. Emily Nash reported that Meghan revealed she use to visit something similar when she lived in L.A. During her visit The Duchess received a tour of the facilities and met with staff before joining residents in a few Christmas themed activities including an arts and crafts session with which she added her own contribution to their Christmas artwork and viewed a musical performance. Before her departure Meghan signed the guest book and unveiled a plaque marking her visit.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2018 > December 18 | Visiting Brinsworth House

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December 10 – The Duchess Of Sussex Attends The Fashion Awards

Last night, (December 10, 2018) The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance to The Fashion Awards where she presented the British Designer of the Year – Womenswear to Clare Waight Keller who designed her wedding dress and other already memorable pieces for Meghan this year. The award recognised Clare Waight Keller’s formidable contribution as a British fashion designer to the industry, and was decided by a panel of over 2,000 international industry experts.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2018 > December 10 | The Fashion Awards

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December 05 – Visiting The Association of Commonwealth Universities

Today, (December 05, 2018) The Duchess of Sussex had an unannounced engagement where she visited The Association of Commonwealth Universities. The ACU posted:

University leaders, academics, and international scholarship students came together at an ACU event on Wednesday 5 December to explore how higher education can help build a better world.

Hosted by King’s College London, the event was an opportunity to discuss the role of universities in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery, gender equality and inclusion, peace and reconciliation, and climate change and resilience.

HRH The Duchess of Sussex attended the event and took part in discussions, following her first official speech to students at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji in October 2018.

This fits perfectly with the reports that Meghan’s public work and patronages will be aimed toward helping women in developing countries by using higher education.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2018 > December 05 | Visiting The Association of Commonwealth Universities

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December 04 – The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Funds Christmas Carol Service

Last night, (December 04, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Funds Christmas Carol Service at St Luke’s Church, London, UK. The event supports The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund which aims to fight poverty in Uganda through education by investing in buildings and providing hygienic and educational resources. They form partnerships with schools to ensure that even the poorest children have access to high quality education. You can read more about this charity here. Prince William and Prince Harry have been Patrons of this charity since 2009. The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund was set up in memory of childhood friend of the Princes’ who died in 2002. At this year’s event Harry and Meghan both participated, with Meghan reportedly reading a poem and Harry giving an appeal on behalf of the charity. This is usually a pretty private event, but photos of The Duke and Duchess exiting out of a side door have been added to the gallery.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > Engagements in 2018 > December 04 | The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Funds Christmas Carol Service