The Duchess of Sussex won’t make her first 2019 royal-event appearance until next week, but don’t think that she’s just been sitting around doing nothing. Meghan has been quietly meeting with charities and potential patronages for a year now. And today, Kensington Palace finally did an excellent rollout for Meghan’s first four solo patronages. Meghan is becoming the patroness to the National Theatre (a patronage which belonged to the Queen), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (another patronage passed to Meghan from the Queen), Mayhew, and SmartWorks.
The Duchess of Sussex has announced her first patronages, as she vows to help unemployed women to feel confident about their upcoming job interviews with personal styling and makeovers. Kensington Palace today disclosed the four roles the Duchess will take on, as the new Royal Patron of the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, animal charity Mayhew, and Smart Works, which provides a new wardrobe for women who are seeking work, as well as one-to-one coaching for interviews.
The Duchess, who has long advocated for women’s empowerment, is understood to have paid numerous quiet visits to each of the charities already, sitting in to help on client meetings as worked to choose suitable royal patronages within her areas of interest. Two of the patronages, the National Theatre and Association of Commonwealth Universities, which represents higher education across all 53 Commonwealth countries, have been handed down to her from the Queen. A fourth will represent her concern about animal welfare, with the Mayhew providing shelter and care for pets and working to keep homeless people with their dogs.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: “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. Over the last year, Her Royal Highness has held meetings and conducted private visits with each of these organisations.”
The four patronages represent the key interests of the Duchess, from women’s empowerment to fashion and animal welfare. Announcing her patronage of Mayhew, which provides care for pets while their owners are going through times of crisis, a palace spokesman said: “The Duchess has long understood the connection between animals and community welfare and has supported various animal rescue centres in Los Angeles.”
Speaking of the National Theatre patronage, artistic director Rufus Norris said: “It is a privilege to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as our new Patron. The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come”.
Kensington Palace added: “Whilst Her Royal Highness spent ten years working in television, her training is in theatre. As well as a double major in theatre and international relations from Northwestern University, which is renowned for its drama programme, Her Royal Highness volunteered at a performing arts after school programme for children in underprivileged school districts in Los Angeles.”
The fourth patronage will see the Duchess continue her work with The Association of Commonwealth Universities, after she made a speech during her tour of Fiji last year about the importance of women’s education.
What I love about these patronages is that Meghan knows her own mind, and knows what she’s interested in. I’m sure she was told – like I suspect Kate was too – that she should start with softer charities, focusing on kids and doing events which would look good in photos. Meghan was like “Nah, I’m going to focus on empowering women through higher education, preparing working class women for careers, how animals are often the first victims of domestic violence and poverty, and diversity in theater.” These are BIG subjects to tackle… and granted, some of them will include great photo-ops, but all of them feel authentic to who Meghan is.
Oooh, I just saw this – Meg did an appearance with her new patronage Smart Works today:
Photos courtesy of WENN, Getty, Backgrid.
Now now, I’m sure Kate was “keen” to take on bigger projects as well, but being the proper Duchess and never putting a foot wrong, she is she did as she was advised.
Kate’s first four patronages were Action on Addiction, East Anglia Children’s Hospices, National Portrait Gallery and the Art Room. Issues to do with addiction, sick children and kids experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties are not lightweight topics either.
I would say Meghan’s choices are very similar to Kate’s. They both mixed serious topics with the arts.
This!
No disrespect to either of them, but they are just patrons. It’s not like they are doing the actual work of these organizations. Meghan is absolutely not going to be “tackling” diversity in theater; she’s going to go to productions and shake everyone’s hands and tell them good job. She’s there to give them attention and support.
If Meghan actually goes to the organisations’ galas and events and gives them visibility and support, that is absolutely what she should be doing and it would more than be enough.
@Fanny – I second that. True evrey word.
Who said it wasn’t enough? My point was that Meghan is not going to be taking on heavy and controversial work. Her job is primarily ceremonial, just as the Queen’s was before she handed the patronages down to Meghan.
Whatever the National Theatre does to continue their diversity efforts will not have to do with Meghan sitting down and working with them on the issue. That’s not her job.
Exactly, Fanny!!! Whenever there’s an article about the royals & their work/patronages, many of the responding comments make it seem like the royals are actually carrying out the work that the organizations do. As you said, all they do is show up and shake hands and act interested. They are considered successful if they have drawn attention to the cause – they are not discovering a cure for cancer or actually helping people directly.
@Fanny – Hasn’t it been announced that Kate is the one who will be challenging norms and getting political in her efforts to fix “Broken Britain”?
Charities are what you make of them. The Grenfell kitchen, at first glance looked a lightweight little project but Meghan, with the cookbook, turned it into something which got global recognition.
Being a Patron is also what you make of it. It involves attending events, attracting wealthy donors and influential people to the cause, networking behind the scenes, and hosting receptions to help with fundraising. So don’t say ‘just Patrons’.
And Kate seems to be comfortable and happy around kids so I think she picked these because she cared not because they were soft. I mean we didn’t know then how interested she was being a mom and that she seems open up around kids but she always probably was this way.
@PrincessK, exactly right. The RF has the optics, which is what they bring with their presence as patrons and visitors at various engagements. They’re certainly not doing the dirty work, of course, but to act like what they do purely by virtue of their existence is meaningless would be inaccurate.
Excellent news. Awesome that she has the Queen’s patronages.
Meghan is awesome, haters can hate all they want. This is a woman who is hitting the ground running, FOR REAL!
Awwsome Meghan.
You go!
I can already hear the haters excuses trying to diminish her.
Meghan is working and has met with these patron ages for months finding out what they need , how they operate, so YES she has done work.
Just go read each patronage site announcement , people who head these organizations said they Met Meghan several times over the last few months and she listened,masked questions, did research and was a sheer joy getting to know. So No Meghan is not just showing up, this lady has DONE HER HOMEWORK on these patronages,
Meghan is not just talk actually does the work!
Congratulations to the Patronages and Meghan. The Queen made some great choices! Meghan will be WONDERFUL.
These charities have really hit the jackpot getting Meghan, and they know it.
First, these are excellent patronages for Meghan to start with – two from the queen, and two that fit in perfectly with the image KP has been projecting re: Meghan (the feminist animal lover). The national theatre and ACU both also seem perfect for her.
Second – this rollout seems surprisingly well done for KP. The visit to Smart Works basically announced simultaneously with the patronage announcement. All the videos on twitter are super cute and just make me like Meghan more. Someone there knew what they were doing, which is surprising because so often the simple things get bungled.
Well, apart from the social media ditz at the National who put it up on the website yesterday. 🙂
That was a big oops lol. But there has been speculation about NT for a while now so I guess it was expected.
People on KP’s Twitter are pissed though that KP announced this the day after Kate’s birthday……
I feel like a wiser and more famous person than me has said, “You get a day. You get one day. You do not get a birthday week or any of that nonsense.” I firmly hold this view, especially for grown adults.
@Tina,
Sex and the City (season 3, ep 12)
Miranda to Charlotte after Charlotte complains about Carrie spoiling her “wedding week” by confessing to/fighting with Aidan;
“You get a day. One day. Not a week.”
Amen.
I’ve never looked at the KP posts. The people on there sound scary!! Who cares that an announcement is made on someone’s birthday or birthday week. It’s not like Kate wanted attention for her birthday, it was a private event, these patronages are part and parcel of the family business.
@Bella – thank you! It was driving me crazy!
The National Theatre and the Universities thing have been an open secret for a long time.
Lol….no problem @Tina.
I had to repeat this to my Bridezilla sister and mother probably over a dozen times over 3(!) wedding receptions, so it was seared to my poor brain permanently.
Meghan’s dress is just not flattering. I’m surprised this is the dress she chose to wear at a function that is about styling women for job interviews. I wouldn’t advice any woman to wear a bodycon dress to a job interview unless the job is in Hollywood!
A sheath dress is professional, but it’s hard to tell if it is bodycon or sheath because she’s hiding under that tent of a trench coat!
What? I’m a lawyer at a conservative law firm and this is basically my uniform. And also that of my female colleagues.
Hahah I laughed at that comment too! My current position involves a lot of travel so I have Really leaned in to the casual aspect of business casual for comfort and ease of movement but in my previous position I wlre Dresses every day and many were body con. It’s 2018. People wear vans with their suits. We can put down miss manners and wear clothes that fit.
@ahoyoy another lawyer here and I agree completely. I think she looks chic and very professional here.
There isn’t a super close shot of the dress, but I thought she looked lovely and professional and duchessy — great length on the dress and the sleeves hit perfectly and really highlight her arms, beautiful swingy camel coat, love the pop with the shoes.
Totally agree, jessamine. Simple dress, beautiful coat with an unusual silhouette, and great pop of color with the shoes. She looks great.
Dueberrygal, I’m not sure she’s required to dress like she’s going to a job interview in order to help other women prepare for one. And that dress is hardly bodycon. She’s pregnant, it’s a sheath. Relax.
Darn that dress looks fine on the Duchess, she is not going on an interview. Watch the video on Twitter.
Funny Bodycon dresses are big sellers, so that would mean women other than in Hollywood are buying them.
Top Shop stores are never out of Bodycon dresses, if they were not selling, stores would stop carrying them.
Good lord. So many people on this website have so many advice on what a “professionnal woman” should wear and look like.
1/ Thousands and thousands of women wear bodycon dresses while simultaneously slaying at their jobs
3/ A woman’s body is not a weapon nor something to be ashamed off. There is no reason to conceal it.
2/ Meghan dress is super “appropriate” (I hate the word so much) and pretty
“Good lord. So many people on this website have so many advice on what a “professionnal woman” should wear and look like.”
Ohh, check the older comments on the Royal threads. Women on here think they know how to dress far better and “professional” than the two real Royal Duchesses! Always cracks me up.
What? What she’s wearing is pretty run of the mill for professional women. What should she have worn in your view?
Her dresses are usually too tight or too loose. Some have fit, but not the majority. She’s better with separates, but they probably aren’t as comfortable right now. I would like this dress if it wasn’t so tight. Just because other women wear something doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice for every woman in every position. I personally don’t think this is appropriate for a duchess while representing the Queen. Neither are Will and Harry’s pants when they are this tight. It has nothing to do with her being a woman.
I don’t understand this line of thinking. Because why? The suggestion of a body shape will mortify the queen into her grave and bring down the monarchy?
ITS OK – first of all her dress is NOT too tight, it fits perfectly. She’s pregnant so her belly will be hugged, oh the horror. Secondly, there have been plenty of pictures of William where his pants ARE too tight so your argument falls super flat.
Penny- why do you assume it’s the belly that is the problem? That’s ridiculous. If she was not pregnant it would still be too tight. Also, I was pointing out that William have both also committed this faux pas with their too tight pants. So, you just confirmed what I said to be true. I pointed out Will because I wanted to show it wasn’t her pregnancy or that she is a woman that made me think that her dress was too tight.
She is pregnant in case you have forgotten.
And straight out of the gate with an engagement at SmartWorks today! That’s the way to do it.
Yesssssss!
She’s not just talking but DOING, go Meghan.
Love her style.
Somehow I’d love to see an engagement photo op with Anne, Camilla, Sophie and Meghan. It’s still early so let’s observe the 2019 numbers for Meghan (though to be fair, she will be on maternity leave).
William and Harry need to catch up heh.
Also, shallow shout out for what she is wearing today. Simple black dress, great but simple coat, and then what look to be fantastic shoes. Professional but chic.
OMG. Those shoes. I want them.
She looks great. Awesome professional work outfit and very fitting for the patronage.
I think she looks AMAZING and perfect for the occasion here, but I am already reading pearl clutching comments on the interwebs about how tight her dress is. Whatever. We are in 2019, people.
Gutterflower, Spot on, eapecially since Kate will be future QC 🤣
Accolades to Megs. Great way to start off the new year!
Love the patronages that Meghan is working with.
I saw on Twitter that she has been coming to today’s patronage for a year already, and has helped some clients with practicing with the interview process. Yes Meghan, work.
Shame they couldn’t return the favour and help her with some styling. I could imagine her filling someone with confidence with interview prep but please not the styling.
Why give the job to someone else, then what would you do?
Haha yes I’d have to get on with my own work. I’d be hopeless as a stylist but some of the commentators on here are very good. I can see an outfit’s wrong but people here can pin it down to where it’s going wrong.
Rosie, what is the issue with her styling? Simple black dress, beautiful camel coat, and interesting shoes. Looks professional and attractive.
While haters throw shade, Meghan smiles all the way to her Patronages that the Queen presented to her and back home to Prince Harry!
Love Her
Lol Haters always look for some reason to moan about Meghan.
I just LOL at the haters.
Prof Plum I agree, I thought she looked good today. It’s the belted coats and ill fitting garments I don’t like. You have to admit a lot of what she’s worn has been a big miss, like she’s shopping for another body type. She’s lucky she’s so attractive it distracts from the clothes.
This is so fantastic! I have given gently used suits to SmartWorks in the past. They are a great organisation and a perfect fit for Meghan.
Nice! <3
Love Meghan’s choices of patronages. They fit her background and interests. Getting two from the queen is a vote of confidence and it shows the BRF wasn’t going to swayed by the bad press Meghan has been getting. The Skid-Markles, the nickname given to Bad Dad, Jr and Sam by someone on Twitter, will weigh in screening about family neglect. Those losers think the only charity work Meghan should be doing is financially supporting them for the rest of their lives. Looking forward to charting Meghan’s work.
“skid Markles”…. I’m HOWLING!!!!! LOLOLOLOL
Oh my goodness, Skid-Markles! I will be using this to describe her wretched paternal relatives moving forward! LOLOLOLOLOL!!!
Like her shoes!
Well done rollout. Love the simultaneous visit with announcement
I love the shoes. I am a shoe person and would love for her to step up her shoe game. Lovely sheath dress too
Enough with Thema black clothes, already! Therefore are different colours…
what’s wrong with wearing black clothes a lot? seems like she likes black clothes. she’s not dressing to please you.
I didn’t know that focusing on kids was a “softer choice”. As someone who dedicates her life to working with them I feel offended. In my mind, theatre is a softer option than kids.
There’s nothing wrong with either option ir be fair. I am just mad that because people here dislike Kate They are also minimizing her choice of patronages, which was as good as Meghan’s.
Politically, charities focusing on children ARE seen as less politlcal and safer, softer. Thus, why so many US First Ladies go there.
I agree with you. Children are the future.
Another dig at Kate? Olivegreen mentioned “Kate’s first four patronages were Action on Addiction, East Anglia Children’s Hospices, National Portrait Gallery and the Art Room.”
So not too fluffy. Corelated with her education and interest.
So did Meghan. She was a perfect candidate for those. Let’s see how she does. I’m more curious how long her maternity leave is going to be. I assume, maybe incorrectly, that as an actress in Hollywood she likes rivalry and winning at least to some degree. If Kate wasn’t in the picture she could have disappear for longer period of time but will she let Kate have all the spotlight for some time?
I know it’s silly but I just put myself in her shoes. But I believe when a child is born everything will change, all the plans etc. Floored with love.
Kate had the spotlight for six years. Also future queen etc., so married to sixth in line Meghan will not take away attention from Kate. Also, Kate’s initiative is starting this year.
I don’t think Kate’s patronages were fluff, I just wish she had genuinely hit the ground running with them. At the time, we were told she was taking on fewer patronages in order to dedicate more time to each of them and that didn’t happen and I hope Meghan doesn’t do the same thing with her patronages.
Kate barely attended the hospice and addiction patronages though. In fact EACH hired Ed Sheeran to help with their fundraising because she has done so little. Wimbledon is the only thing she attends every year. If she’s not really doing much for the non fluffy patronages then after seven years she shouldn’t be getting credit for it.
Exactly. She gets a lot of credit for doing very little. Meghan may have already exceeded Kate’s work with some of her new charities because Kate did so little.
Fantastic News, well done Meghan,
I loved her first Patronage today, AWESOME.
She really did HIT THE GROUND RUNNING!
She’s wearing a 3000 dollar coat. I’d rather she stop doing any patronages if it means she stops spending taxpayer money like it’s going out of style
Yes. This. How many loose beige trench coats does one woman need? The fact this one is Oscar de la Renta and over $3,000 USD is a shocking extravagance.
It is undoubtedly tone deaf to wear brand new designer threads head-to-toe whilst visiting a charity shop focused on giving women, who cannot afford it, their first professional outfit.
Exactly, can you imagine how much this charity could benefit if they were given clothing that added up to the amount Meghan’s coat and handbag?
If shopping at inexpensive stores that normal women shop at for workwear you could probably get 20-30 head-to-toe outfits for the cost of Meghan’s coat and handbag.
Is it tone deaf to wear expensive clothes to visit people in need or just with this charity? Or is it patronizing and disingenuous to wear a I’m-just-like-you-guys high street outfit to this event and then wear expensive designer things at other events?
These women aren’t against wearing expensive clothes. It isn’t an either/or situation where Meghan had a certain amount of money to spend for this event and chose to blow the budget instead of donating the extra to the charity. The charity isn’t affected whatsoever by the cost of her clothes.
This!
What on earth are you talking about, Lisa Turtle? Is it it tone deaf when the queen wears huge honking diamond brooches to meet with people? I don’t see people moaning on and on about how much the queen spends on clothes (every piece bespoke) or how many brooches should be sold to help others. Wasn’t it the queen mum who said she would always look her best because the people coming to see her are wearing their best?
I agree with you, Natalie S. Not to mention that a lot of what Meghan has been wearing (e.g. her shoes from today) is stuff she had pre-marriage.
I actually own this exact coat. It’s a swing style that is almost 2 years old. It cost me $1200 on sale a year and a half ago and it was $2400 at full price. Who is to say Meghan didn’t also purchase it this way? The way she is wearing it is how it’s intended to fit. Not everything needs to be tailored to within an inch of its wearer’s life. It’s far more chic this way.
Wait, so the price at $3000 is wrong?
@Ahoyoy Bullshirt. Unless you have a TARDIS and traveled two years in the future and bought your coat, there is no way you own the same one. Oscar de la Renta said that it was from their 2019 collection.
“Is it tone deaf to wear expensive clothes to visit people in need or just with this charity?”
Well, duh, obviously it is only tone deaf for the other Duchess. Right??
“The charity isn’t affected whatsoever by the cost of her clothes.”
I know, right? So why have you constantly complained about the other Duchess’ wardrobe cost for so many years? Truly mind boggling,
“I don’t see people moaning on and on about how much the queen spends on clothes (every piece bespoke) or how many brooches should be sold to help others. Wasn’t it the queen mum who said she would always look her best because the people coming to see her are wearing their best?”
Yes, yes, yes. I agree. It just puts all the complaints on here about taxpayer money (aimed at the other Duchess) in a different light. The comments are so glaring.
I’m wondering aloud because I genuinely don’t know — is it possible she owned this coat before marrying Harry, or bought it with her own savings?
I think the Oscar de la Renta label is probably giving her a steep discount and they have a close working relationship. They dressed Doria for the wedding and after Givenchy, Meghan seems to look to this label for some of her bigger moments.
I hope she has a British stylist soon though. I think it’s okay to have these nods to her American roots and support Claire Wright Keller as a British designer and also have strong working relationships with British labels beyond Victoria Beckham.
A lot of the items she is getting attacked over are things she owned pre-Harry. It’s just another excuse to drag Meghan.
I seriously doubt it. She was not wearing wearing items this highly priced before and when dating Harry. Only once the engagement was announced.
@ Case and Idontbelieve……
Please see the bottom left hand side of this image of Meghan’s shoe closet…..taken long before she met Harry:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQK2373ef1RL0XGwhVaHCSNHGaJW3QlFEIe7qJojwhBshe4np0IopcMGAmQ
(I hope the link works…..if not I will re-post it)
@Bella I looked really hard but I couldn’t find a 3000 dollar coat in that picture
Yes, just like McQueen gives Kate steep discounts because they have a close working relationship.
It’s a small shoe collection. I’m not really sure what a pic of her shoe collection is supposed to prove? Btw, her fierce Rossi heels she wore yesterday are from the newer collections. They aren’t old – meaning she didn’t own them before. So many people commenting on the Royals really aren’t into designers and fashion, are they?
@ Icantbieve……
Yeah……try squinting just a little harder and then re-read my comment….it says “shoe closet”…..nothing about a coat.
@Guest
I was responding to Ican’tbelieve’s comment:
“She was not wearing wearing items this highly priced before and when dating Harry. Only once the engagement was announced.”
Actually she was to some degree. Her shoes being from a more current collection does not change the fact that she paid for and owned an earlier version *before she started dating Harry*.
In any case, I do agree that she’s spending far too much money on clothes – and have stated that several times here. It’s inadvisable not only for reasons of propriety (for someone in her position), but it also gives the seething, jealous, hate-mongers a way to legitimize their attacks.
This coat is a repeat.
Actually, it sounds like the coat is new?
Would it be better if it were a Catherine Walker $3000 coat? Or Dolce and Gabbana?
This is how this family shops.
To reply to your earlier question, yes, the cost of the coat is off. But that seems to be par for the course for outlets reporting on Meghan’s wardrobe.
Also, I seem to remember reports of Kate spending nearly $200K for one year a couple of years ago. At least Meghan is picking quality designers. Dolce and Gabbana is well known for being crap quality sold at exorbitant prices.
And? Doesn’t stop people from criticising their spending habits just like many have done on here in the past. Shrugs.
The camel coat is priced at £2600. Nothing is off with the prices.
Agree.
My mother loved clothes and had a beautiful wardrobe. She left me instructions to donate her clothes, shoes, purses, and coats to Dress for Success, an organization similar to Smart Works. It gave her peace to imagine women feeling extra confident in those lovely clothes when they went to job interviews. Duchess Meghan seems like she will be perfectly matched with these four patronages. I love knowing that she has been quietly active already. Her patronages have already learned that she will do much more than simply showing up for photos.
I don’t understand why, if Meghan is so amazing, every article about her here has to dig at Kate a little. I’m not a Kate apologist by any means, but seriously. Meghan’s accolades can stand on their own without continually pointing out how she’s “better” than Kate.
I think it is trying to even the playing field. Meghan has been getting attacked/smeared in British media while they prop up the lazy Kate.
But can we really defend Meghan honestly and vigorously, if we’re lobbing the same kind of mean spirited, unnecessary attacks against Kate?
(Asked a guilty poster)
They are co-workers at the same firm. Kate spent the first seven years at the firm dodging work, lying about it, dodging work, lying about it. Meghan has gotten straight to work.
There will be comparisons, from how much their work to their professionalism or lack thereof, just as we compare other royal married-ins.
I like her choices. First I was impressed with the SmartWorks description, but she really won my heart working with an organization that helps homeless people stay with their pets. I have been homeless several times in the past, and while I did let my pup stay with friends when it got too terribly cold, I could not give her up completely and felt a lot safer sleeping on my own knowing she was there to alert me to any trouble. I could have gotten more help if I hadn’t had her, but I wasn’t about to part with her when I’d lost everything else.
Sparkly, bless you and I hope things are better for you now. Yes, pets give us so much. I am glad you were able to keep yours.
I second Flowers and wish you lots of warmth + overflowing love from your pets + security for the future going forward.
❤️ 💕 🎉👍
I’m glad to know you are indoors now, and got to stay with your pup! May 2019 treat you better than 2018.
Thank you all so much! That was a long time ago, and I own my home so my kids will never have to go through anything like that. Or the animals!
While I agree that women should not be held responsible for the deeds of perpetrators they should be held responsible for their own complicity. It’s great that Gaga acknowledges that it was a mistake to work with him and I can completely believe that her own assault played a part in her thinking. What I take issue with – and this comes up again and again with white feminists – is the erasure of black sexual assault victims. Like so many others I think Gaga was able to shrug off and overlook the allegations because they weren’t white women. They were young black girls. Black women and girls again and again are not given our humanity. And this case highlights that from all angles.
Nice mix of patronages! I feel like we’re going to hear about the Queen handing off more of her patronages this month and throughout the year.
I love her shoes and earrings today and think it’s a nice look overall. Here’s her outfit breakdown for those interested:
Coat: Oscar de la Renta oversized midi coat; £2,600
Dress: Eliza dress by Hatch; £170
Shoes: Giovanni Rossi PVC pumps (previously owned)
Bag: Victoria Beckham Vanity Box leather tote; £1,695
Jewellery: Felicity earrings by Kimai (ethical brand); £315
Coat is a repeat
No, it is new. It is okay to admit that, you know…
Totally commented on the wrong post- this is what I get for using my phone lol!
Meghan looks AMAZING. Professional and chic and those shoes are killer. Her payronages suit her perfectly and I like that she did at appearance with one of them the same day they were announced. It’s clear Meghan has genuine interest in these charities and they weren’t just picked for photo ops.
You did have me wondering:)
I just wish that her almost year of meetings with this and other charities could have been included in her end of year work totals. Would have given a better picture of how much work she really did this past year.
Wonderful mix of patronages that reflect her interests.
Kate has a degree in art history and was Waity Katie after college. Meghan has a double major in theater and public works, has her own documented history of working in the public and for worldwide organizations to benefit others. It’s a totally different work history. Starting Meghan off “soft” would be like a slap in the face to everything she’s done on her own prior to Harry.
Sadly Kate made herself, Waity Katey. She had a great education, she could have taken internships , starting level positions in almost any museums, art gallery,, Historical Palace around the UK.
Kate chose to not do much but wait for William and sadly not build up a work history.
Or even just done volunteer work, if she didn’t want a job/internship.
But the designer coat.. Meghan $$$$ please!
It’s a repeat! And it’s a repeat that she can wear again and again for years!
So all of these pre meetings don’t count as work, but she’s met quietly 4 or 5 times with the groups before announcing her patronage??
So she was working but it wasn’t counted??
Yeah, I’m confused as to when meetings get counted and when they don’t. I wish we knew about them all because that would give us a better sense of everything she’s been doing work-wise.
Yes, but with a caveat. Behind the scenes meetings don’t always count for other royals either. They only counted Kate’s behind the scenes stuff in early years because her work totals were so pathetic.
No meghan’s patronages are not like kate had the 1st year. No way! Same number (4) but not same hands on or passion. I mean before william or before her wedding what charities kate was helping or interested? Shopping! Lol! The only passion kate has is to marry william and the patronages she got were vaguely her passion. All patronages of meghan are linked with the charities and interest she demonstrated before harry. Theatre is her training she got a degree from NU and since young she was doing scenes (many videos are available), Women empowerment: she was a UN advocate for that, doing conference about sel esteem, animals she was an activist for rescuing dogs, campaigning for adopt dont buy and education she is herself highly educated and advocate for education for girls. Kate in the other hand addiction what she knew about it lol.
It is time to give meghan credit she is constant and substantial and IMO she is the most eloquent of all of them. Just saw her speaking today. Waouh you go girl!
Fanny and Claire. Lmao. Did meghan did just shaked hands for cookbook together? You kate fans are laughable. Meghan worked 6 months relentlessy to coordinate the projet. It was her idea for the book. She seeked for the editor the photogragh and the illustrations. It was a substantial work. It taked times and energy and she was new in the country and in the royal family and preparing for her wedding. She did not just show up!
Plus Today the women of smart work were interviewed and they said meghan has been working with them since mars 5 visits and she had already make an impact because she assisted some women to prepare their itws for jobs and self esteem. Meghan is different. She will not just shake hands like kate. Harry created the IG great impact and i understand why he clearly choose meghan. Harry said he knows she will do good. She is passionate and hard working. She wants to use her platform to help others like cookbook together and will make the job done!
Not sure how my comment made me out to be a “Kate fan” – I was addressing royal work & patronages in general, not Kate in particular. Since you brought it up I will say that I concur with those who have commented on how Kate hasn’t really stepped up to the plate and embraced her role as a royal in terms of being as enthusiastic, engaged and the number of engagements, etc.
Meghan seems up for the task as she has an established history of philanthropy and commitment to the various causes she has supported in the past. Being a royal may frustrate her as the role of the royals is not as hands-on as she is used to.
I’m not a particular Kate fan, but I do know that in 2011 when this was all brand new for Kate, she also was being praised for how much “groundwork” she was doing in anticipation of all the substantial work she was going to do as princess. Didn’t amount to that much.
I think Meghan will wind up doing more, but all these expectations that she’s going to “revolutionize the monarchy” are going to wind up deflating like an old balloon, just like they did for Kate.
Meghan will be a success if she winds up at the top of the “harder working royals” list, but she’s not reinventing the wheel here.
I’m thrilled for the Mayhew Animal Home. Used to work with them a lot, helping them find vets & vet nurses, & they’re a wonderful set-up, run by fabulous people. This will be SUCH a boost to them: they’re a small organisation, especially compared to many UK animal charities, & this will bring them so much attention (hopefully all good – hard not to be cynical about the press at the moment) & therefore much-needed funds.
I am SO happy about this 🙂
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! May your light keep shining Meghan.
Aaaaand we’re still waiting for Kate’s broken Britain campaign to kick off. Sipping tea.
Kate’s patronages were not lightweight things. Children in hospice is probably one of the most difficult and heavy causes to take on. Both women selected things they care about and both should be praised. For a so called feminist blog, this site sure loves to tear Kate down.
iirc Kate visited the hospice once for 15 minutes, wearing head to toe black. How cheery for the kids and their families!
They tried early on to market Kate as the Childrens Princess. Trouble is, she is incredibly awkward with kids and it shows. Any time Kate has to show up and pretend to care about something difficult, rather than a movie premiere or yachting with Ben, her boredom shows. Kate has a serious lack of empathy and the inability to conceal it.
Wrong. She was aloof in the beginning but after 3 kids she seems to be really settling into her role. It’s taken years tho.
Thinking about this, and thinking about how the National Theatre would have been a perfect engagement for Princess Margaret as well. She was glamorous, she had a certain theatrical flair, and I think she would have really thrived with that patronage. Ah well.