LOL, it’s so funny that all of those salty British commentators predicted that the Duchess of Sussex would *need* to post a photo of Lilibet Diana on Meghan’s 40th birthday. My prediction this morning was that Meghan would thank everyone for their birthday messages and encourage people to donate to a particular charity. I wasn’t exactly right but I was a lot closer than those royal commentators. For her birthday, Meghan wrote a post on the Archewell site. She’s trying to convince people to commit to 40 minutes of service and mentorship every day (update: I read this wrong, she doesn’t mean every day), and you can see the Archewell post and resources here, in addition to a video with Melissa McCarthy (which seems to be a bit glitchy for me). I’m posting her message in all of its selective CAPS LOCK glory because… well… it is kind of funny.
In reflecting on my 40th birthday and the many things I am grateful for, I’m struck that TIME IS AMONG OUR GREATEST AND MOST ESSENTIAL GIFTS: Time with our loved ones, time doing the things we love, time spent learning, laughing, growing, and the sacred time we have on this earth. Amongst the most valuable gifts of time is also time spent in service to others knowing that it can contribute to incredible change. To that last point, and with my 40th lap around the sun in mind, it made me wonder: what would happen if we all committed 40 minutes to helping someone else or to mentoring someone in need? And then what would happen if we asked our friends to do the same?
In the past two years, and in large part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, TENS OF MILLIONS OF women around the world have left the workforce, including over two million women in the U.S. So many of these women are also SHOULDERING THE BRUNT OF THE CRISIS when it comes to unpaid labor, including schooling and caring for family members. And the latest research shows that FEWER WOMEN THAN MEN WILL REGAIN WORK as we recover from the pandemic.
I believe mentorship is one way to help women regain confidence and rebuild their economic strength, and for my birthday, I have asked 40 friends, activists, athletes, artists, and world leaders to help kickoff a global effort by contributing 40 MINUTES OF MENTORSHIP to support women re-entering the workforce. With this time, I hope they each help someone advance a professional life on her own terms, and, I hope that they inspire countless others to give 40 minutes of their time as well.
If you are able, please JOIN US and pledge 40 minutes today in service of others in the way that feels right to you. The time that you donate can contribute to a GLOBAL WAVE OF SERVICE and set in motion meaningful impact in our own communities, and across the world.
Whenever someone emphasizes something in caps-lock, I always feel like we’re supposed to read it, in our heads, as screaming. Meaning that I read this as Meghan full-on hollering “time is among our greatest and most essential gifts!!!” She’s so funny. Anyway, I’m not gonna mentor anyone but God bless! Some of y’all need to be mentored, I wish she would just come and say that!
To honour Meghan's 40th birthday Archewell has lauched an initiative in which encourages people around the world to spare 40-minutes of their time to help women who are reentering the workforce!
check it out here: https://t.co/zSmapZjB2N #40×40 #MeghanMarkle40 pic.twitter.com/UCHcVyXIk1— michelle (@ddarveyy) August 4, 2021
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red and Backgrid.
Lol. I just love her to bits. This is great and I love that it has her personality shining through.
I think service OR mentorship is a good idea. Not everyone should be mentoring other people!
Happy birthday beautiful Meghan!
Same!! And this is going to drive the British tabloids and royal watchers INSANE…which makes me love it more!! YACHT PARTY!!
Freddy, Her haters cling to that yacht girl story and I laughed when Melissa went there.
Was that Harry outside the window at the very end juggling? So Funny and cute.
I love how they were putting it all out there and making jokes, all over a good cause too. Really cute. I really wish they’d have a yacht party. The reaction would be glorious.
Oh, they’re already trying to do what they do…’experts says this will do more harm than good’. If you’ve been out of work for the pass 18 months because, you lost your job due to COVID, are also afflicted with the virus and hoping to get your livelihood back on track, what is the harm having employed millionaires, teacher, doctors, movie stars, scientist give you 40 minutes of their time to give you a pep talk, suggest news ways to progress, offer you internship, maybe even a job. What kind of F-ing harm can that do to somebody already way down on the luck, money, job, morale?????
Oh this is brilliant. Her office is gorgeous, her sleeping dog is flawless, and this initiative is lovely.
I can’t wait to see how it’s torn apart by the tabs. Hilarious video, and MM is great in it.
This cheered me up! Both women are fab and funny and it is a great, practical idea.
Both M and H are warm, charismatic and authentic. Can you imagine Buttons trying to copy this with a similar call to Jill Biden?!
You just know Puja was out there with Harry while Guy hung with Meghan. It seems those dogs have their favorite and it isn’t to be wondered at considering how long Meghan has been Guy’s mom. I love all of it.
I love Melissa’s office! I want that chair!! I’ll have to do some googling. And oh, I’d love to have a table that size so that I could spread everything out, but I live in a shoebox currently, so…. Maybe next place. I still want that chair, though!
Melissa’s chair is really cute! Meg’s office is stunning and gives me Nancy Meyers vibes. I’d strait up spill something though so I’ll admire from afar and sit on my dark brown furniture that can better hide stains. I really want Meghan to do a cooking video from the kitchen one day.
I was feeling down and a bit upset. This video has lifted me up. Meghan is such a role model! Something Harry saw and he knew she was extraordinary straight away.
The media is beginning to realise that this is a woman that more and more people will be drawn to no matter what they do. I love Meghan more and more!
lol aw, she’s not a great actress but this is so cute. This initiative is really wonderful and the video is fun. I like that it’s such a relatable challenge. It’s not millions of dollars or only made possible with access and connections. Anyone can mentor and encouraging people to reach out to do it is an incredible idea. Bravo, Duchess! (Love Harry’scute cameo, too!)
@ Elaine Stritch : I think she got the idea from Nelson Mandela who does this every year on his birthday. asks people to do 67 minutes of volunteer community service which is one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service. I found an article titled “Nelson Mandela’s Birthday Celebrated with Volunteer Service” by Anita Powell dated July 18, 2017.
Oh wow, I didn’t know that! That’s really interesting- I’m going to look into it further. Thanks for teaching me that!!
I CANT STOP WATCHING THE VIDEO I LOVE IT SO MUCH
Great initiative. I think the video is glitching because too many people were accessing it at once.
Her boobs are huge! Lili’s eating good.
I noticed the pregnancy boobs too😂. I didn’t want to say it but yeah.
She knows. That tank top is unapologetic.
@L4frimarie- 😃😃 Could be the heat though.😉
Sorry but that’s disgusting. Not the matter per se, but you putting it like that. Yikes.
Not the most subtle observation but she definitely has that postpartum lushness going on. She looks good and healthy. I like her look in the video, very casual but stylish as well.
I just had a baby a couple weeks ago. My boobs are huge. It’s definitely a thing. Take a breath and chill.
Context. It would be disgusting in some places with some people, but not here.
Women have boobs. Boobs that feed their babies. There’s nothing disgusting about it at all, they are beautiful just like Meghan.
Here you dropped a pearl from clutching them so hard. Relax
Me too…l noticed. Meghan looks happy and fabulous at forty.
If anyone can tell me what the necklace in her video is I’d be grateful!! Can’t find it yet, lol.
Apparently it’s Archie and Lili’s birth signs.
Oh, I love knowing that she’s into astrology.
It looks like the constellations for her kids and husband.
Their astrological signs. Hit submit too early, I’m sorry!
Yes, I saw they are her kids’ star signs (from the DM, LOL). Thank you!
Just waiting on an ID for the designer. 💸💸💸
All I could see at first was the “C” and “T” and I thought of Tominey and I thought…..that can’t be right, lol. (is it a C and T or did I misread?) Astrological signs make a lot more sense and now I want one for my kids.
Lol, nah it’s Carole that wears the ‘camilla Tominey’ necklace 😂
@Becks1-LOL. Looked like a C & T to me too.
It’s a lovely necklace. Meghan looks great and love the idea.
I’m trying to ID that teacup!
Check What Meghan Wore bc they id the necklace and teacup.
Oh, I can’t find the teacup ID! Can someone please tell me where it’s from? I love it, thank you!
Burleigh black regal peacock tea cup and saucer
Twinnings.co.uk
Or just try the burleigh pottery website?
Ok, that teacup is now sold out. A teacup! I wonder if Hermès blanket draped on the other chair will sell out.
I nabbed a teacup from another website! I’m going to add it to my collection. Yay!
Read on Twitter it sold out and people are still asking for the brand…
https://www.denbypottery.com/us/burleigh-black-regal-peacock
Of course, the tea cup and saucer are out of stock, already! Though I do love the necklaces!! I will have to shop on Etsy, as I love purchasing from them as you can direct your search for BIPOC women as well!!
The designer is Logan Hollowell everyone!
Ooooh I turn 40 in February. Maybe I should ask for that…..
Necklace? I saw that.. that price is out of my budget..lol I did see Zales has a very similar one I may ask to get for my birthday 🥳
I found a dupe on etsy and ordered it and it occurred to me after I ordered it….that Meghan probably has the necklaces for Archie and Lili’s signs…..I just bought my own, I dont even know my kids signs…..whoops
LOL Becks!!! I’m looking on Etsy too.
@Becks I feel so much better after reading your comment because I definitely don’t know my kids signs either!
ETA: sort of a tangent, but as long as we’re talking about personalized jewelry, I hope Meghan wears jewelry from this company one day…it’s run by one woman and she is all about female empowerment.
I’ve always wanted one of the necklaces where she turns your signature into the necklace, and I just looked at the site when I went to get the link — she’s doing birth month flowers now too and I want one! They’re all so pretty.
Oh and she can also take artwork by your child and turn it into a necklace (it sounds strange but I think it’s really cute once you see it). It’s under “Personalized” in “Collections,” I think.
I have an initial necklace from her which I adore and I’m happy to support a business owned and operated by a woman.
I hope she gets on Meghan’s radar somehow because their values seem to be very much aligned:
https://www.brevityjewelry.com/
Logan Hollowell is the jewellery designer
Love this idea. Hope we get organizations in local communities so folks can support this. It goes along with the clothing initiative for women she had in UK.
On a petty note, she did not need a research center in Montecito or 5 big questions
This is the genius of Meghan….keep it simple stupid. Not only did she get it right with this initiative but so much to discuss about that video. There she sits in what’s basically a t-shirt and shawl exuding glamour effortlessly. Meghan is a class act PERIOD!
She is a genius and nobody does casual chic like Meghan….you have to go back to Jackie O.
Maybe we can send some mentoring messages to the keen one.
Better make a chart for her.
Are they mocking the English tea drinking, English china and hat wearing?
Cue to RR meltdown
There will 100% be a meltdown over the tea and hat thing. 1000%. Wooten is furiously typing away now.
BTW a tea party with chickens sounds like a dope bday to me…
As someone who does have tea with chickens almost every day, it’s delightful…as long as everyone realizes that when the cookies are done, the cookies are done and there’s no need to jump into my lap looking for more! Chicken claws are sharp and if they hit you in the face with a wing, it can hurt. The British Press, and I use that term loosely, are beyond terrible–making heaps of cash off of hate and racism. It’s still stunning to me, after all this time, that this is okay with seemingly most everyone living on Salty Island and representing the Brimstone Monarchy.
@beenie
OMG! I thought having tea with the chickens was a great idea too! 😂
You love to see it 🤣
She will definitely be accused of being a racist or perpetuate english stereotypes in 3,2,1… +also let’s anticipate the royal clowns voicing how Harry is a total clown in the video
I’ll add to the list. They will be accused of mocking William for the juggling and of throwing that yacht stuff in the royals faces.
TOB juggles? I really haven’t been paying attention to that side of the family unless it’s on here. LOL. I absolutely love the video.
Melissa looked full on ready for tea with the Queen, which I absolutely loved. I don’t see how anyone could get offended, not even the rota rats.
I know, and I adore Melissa McCarthy!! I think she is so funny!! I think the entire video was well done!
As always, Duchess Meghan is encouraging people to be the change that is greatly needed by identifying the lack of resources/assistance that women of all walks of life need today. In identifying and providing multiple steps and/or outlets to start has shown her commitment to help those of us who don’t know where to start. Meghan has also highlighted a problem that women, working women, women with/without children, women in/out of the workforce, how their lives have changed drastically in the last 18 months.
Women have been the ones holding families up and holding them together as we are expected to be the ones to leave the workforce or to take on the additional burdens placed on our children. I love everything about her initiative!!
I love that the teacup by Burleigh is called “Black Regal Peacock “.
I just kept scrolling, I knew there would be at least one other person obsessed with that! Her shade game is on point.
I love Meghan and LOVE the initiative, but wow, this video is so bad, I cringed
🙄
How terrible… for you.
? it’s charming and funny. Melissa made fun of Meghan with the tree thing lol and Harry in the background random and funny. I must say Meghan so intelligent and always ready. This campaign showcases that. No rational person should believe that the woman doesn’t work hard. So does Harry. Yes they are rich but they actually work unlike well you know who…. Happy birthday Meghan
LMAO ok and?
Lolololol…stay cringing 🙂
What? I loooooooved it. Maybe it’s not for you?
I loved the video. She and Melissa are so cute and funny. And great initiative.
They were going for relaxed, thrown together, not polished and it worked completely with Harry juggling badly outside and Melissa McCarthy in character being silly. It worked because there has been so much tension surrounding the Sussexes, we (those of us who support them) wish to see them in this more carefree mood. I came away feeling, ok, they’re ok, enjoying their little family and not seemingly bothered by all the noise from across the pond. That’s how I feel at least.
+1
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼..
I got a lot of the “not bothered” vibe as well, from Melissa pretending for her friend she’s in her organic garden to the tea party to the yacht party. I loved all that shade. Plus head to toe white looking cool and collected. My God the royal reporters have been given a feast
I like that it’s not some slickly produced informational. Yeah it’s cheesy with dorky jokes and little pokes, but she got her message out on the initiative, people are talking about it and a lot of people are signing on to the cause. Just another zoom call making impact. I liked it. They can save the scripted content and sleek production values for Netflix.
WTF? It was adorable. What did you expect? Another episode of The Crown?
LMAO!!!!! Yes, it had to be sai
JFC! All @A did was express her opinion, and she gets piled on because it’s mildly critical of a video — not even of Meghan, but just of this video. Her comment wasn’t rude or nasty at ALL, imo.
Does every single comment about every single thing Meghan does ever have to be gushing with praise, or else a commenter will immediately receive a bunch of these critical replies for simply (and politely, imo!) sharing an opinion?
Well, Lorelei, there are lots of places you can go to criticize Meghan. It seems churlish, at best, to describe as “cringe” something that was meant to be light-hearted and service-oriented, posted on her birthday, no matter how politely you think it was expressed.
There is a great gnashing of teeth among the ratchets today. Rending of hair and wailing at their lost opportunities. They weep as the megabucks they could have made covering this charismatic couple vanishes into the ether. The second homes they could have bought, the handbags, the school tuitions they could have afforded. The TV shows they could have smiled on, the books they could have written.
But they’re all stuck with their own racism like a shitty diaper they can’t change out of. How many times can they keep writing “we hate Meghan”? Good luck getting content like this from the Lamebridges. They have backed the wrong horses and they know it.
The Daily Mail site has a GIANT Meghan birthday article as their top story.
And they broken down everything in the room and what she is wearing. Seemed like an Instagram account with Like to Know link.. Freaking Hysterical!!
The DailyFail STANS….LOL
Chic: I wish they’d do that for Melissa’s home office! That’s more my esthetic, & I want want want that chair of hers. So far, all my googling has come up with is IDs on Meghan’s office decor not Melissa’s.
There was an older British photographer who sent out a tweet talking about how his application for financial support during COVID was turned down because he made more money during 2016-2019 than he had made any other time in his 30-something-years long career. Meghan’s arrival into the BRF was a financial boon for so many of these people. And in the end they played themselves with their racism. Clowns.
OK @lanne, I am stealing “like a shitty diaper they can’t change out of.” I’m not even asking, just snatching it and using it at the earliest opportunity, fyi.
@ Ianne, very well said!! I agree with you entirely and the dirty diaper is genius, I must say!!!!
I have a new foster baby so diapers have been on my mind!
I wonder if they’re self-aware enough to realize that they did this to themselves? All they had to do was treat Meghan decently, like a human being, but they didn’t, so here we are. Lol at their self pity for the situation they created in the first place.
She’s not saying 40 mins a day from what I can see (unrealistic for many of us), just 40 mins? Or have I misread it?
Yeah it’s not 40 minutes a day.
No, there is no way she means 40 minutes a day. Mentoring is so important for women, but 40 minutes a day is not even in the realm of realistic. Great initiative tho.
That was a typo and corrected in the above article. It was “40 friends mentor a woman returning to the workforce for 40 minutes.” Pretty simple and doable for most.
Yep it’s just 40 mins not a day. I love this. Happy birthday, Meghan. I volunteer anyway helping retrain women as it happens but it’s moved to online so I’m doing my 40 and then some
I think she meant just 40 minutes. One day.
This is a great initiative and I loved the video. Everyone was so charming and funny.
Now let’s guess how many ways the RRs will analyze the eff out of the video and talk about everything EXCEPT her initiative.
Identify the outfit designer and cost.
Identify every object on screen and quote the price.
Bring in a psychologist to analyze the decor choices and what secret messages they’re sending. Bonus points if you can connect it to
the royal family and some form of snubbing.
Psychoanalyze the fact that not only do Harry and Meghan share an office, they share a desk.
What is the symbolic meaning of Harry juggling in the window behind her? And why is he wearing that SAME. DANG. SHIRT. AGAIN!?
Bring in a pet expert to discuss the pros and cons of working in the same space as your pet.
Get MI-6 on the phone to un blur those family photos so they can get a good look at Archie and Lili.
Snuffles you are so right 😩
The daily fail already has three articles out about a 2 minute video. What about her “woke” message, one itemizing every single thing on her desk and what about Harry jumping in the background.
My favourite part of the video was when she said “peaceful under a tree is me every day”… I’m other words stay mad haters!
Helping people is now “woke”? Or is it just helping women? Being nasty for so long has now corroded these tab ” journalists” minds.
Woke is such a trigger word for Fail readers, it’s hilarious.. Surely the point of the royals is to help people and highlight causes.
“Bring in a pet expert to discuss the pros and cons of working in the same space as your pet.”
What I noticed was that Meghan’s pet assistant is not as actively involved as my pet assistant likes to be. My cat even tries to help me with my typing by climbing onto my keyboard. Meghan’s dog was literally sleeping on the job…it’s shameful.
Daily mail tomorrow: “Bully Megan forces canine staff to work all hours, dog not even given proper desk and computer to do job. Sources say pooch is napping in protest of unfair working conditions”
Next article: “How Kate single-handedly saved British dogs by announcing a 10 year study of ‘Who’s a Good Boy?’ ‘Treats are so important’ the Duchess is quoted as saying.”
What is it with cats and keyboards? My cat is all over mine too.
Beenie, I’m on the floor!
I love the stacked copies of her book being front and center.Also, like that she has a sense of humor about herself. You know we’ll get the pearl clutching articles about this but whatever. It’s her birthday and she can celebrate it any way she wants.
They’re really going to melt down considering Eugenie called her “dear Meghan” in her stories and said she was going to participate.
@Snuffles. Good list! My imaginary juggling pattern expert told me that Harry’s pattern was code for Living the Life of My Dreams.
Love the video! Her personality is shining thorough. And what a great way to mark her 40th bday.
And the names attached!! She’s in the big leagues for sure.
shining “through”. I was typing while waiting for curbside pickup lol.
Go on Duchess.
That’s just TOO GOOD! So cute, so funny, so chic (hello Meghan’s and Melissa’s decor…uh where can I find that leopard print desk chair?), Harry at the end, and beautifully hidden within, such a simple request that could have powerful implications. Yasssss, to all of that! Forty minutes it is.
Curious about Meghan’s necklaces, which will show up on Kate in just a few days. What is the significance?
Re. the necklaces, looks like they’re astrological constellations, probably representing Archie and Lili 🙂
I’ve always wanted to by a necklace or bracelet like that for myself, have had a few options on my etsy wishlist, just never got around to it.
I have the necklaces from The Right Hand Gal, Mini Mini Jewels, and Sophie Lis that Meghan wears. Splurges for me but I love them!
@Asking For a Friend OMG I read this and screamed at my work desk LMAOOOO
Asking: If you find out about that chair, let me know! THAT’S the chair I want for my home office (which is also my living room & dining room).
Love the idea so much and I have seen lots of pple volunteering. Also meghan looks so good in the video and I lol so hard when I saw harry in the background
“Some of y’all need to be mentored, I wish she would just come and say that!”
lmaooo the initiative is a cute way of saying that! “please get a job and off my d*ck!”
JK, she’d never.
The video is fine. I’d rather she be herself and let her personality shine through rather than try to edit and tone herself down. She did that when she was a royal. That time is over. Anyways I think this is a good initiative. There’s some great names attached to this and if this helps people then even better. And it seems like it’ll be a continuous thing and not a “week long” or whatever thing only so more chances to help people
I think she is being herself. Doing something fun like this would have been totally frowned upon in the tabloids as un-regal and not becoming as a duchess. Remember how much they bagged on her for wearing a silly hat with the UK editor of Vogue?
I know that. I said that. I said that I want her to be herself.
Well the palace people told her that she had to be half of herself.
Peaceful under a tree is me every day*
*now that we got tf away from that toxic fam
Cute video, it made me smile!
That’s was my favourite line
After everything that happened, it is so nice to see that she has reached this place.
We Stan a Queen who stays pushing us forward to do the real work.
It’s a great idea for people who make enough money to have the free time to do it. She forgets that most people are struggling to survive and pay their own bills.
“She forgets that most people are struggling to survive and pay their own bills.”
Oh, ok, so you missed her entire paragraph mentioning the loss of work for women during the pandemic and the loss of income.
Also the words “if you are able”.
Sit down.
“Also the words “if you are able”.”
For me that was such an important part. When people leave off that sentiment, it does change the tone for me. I always appreciate it when people looking for financial donations include something like that and time is no different; 24-hours a day is a drastically different thing for people in different circumstances.
When charities ask people to donate money, they are mostly asking those that can. The same applies when asking people to donate time – only if you can. I’m not rich but I do have time for volunteering. ZOOM makes it practical for a person to do so from the comfort of their home.
You don’t have to have money to be someone’s mentor.
Damn right.
That’s why she asks people who aren’t struggling as much to help others. If that is not you, then have a seat.
So you missed the entire whole ass paragraph about women who are out of the workforce, huh?
I don’t have much money and I do have an extremely stressful job with long hours, but I still find time to mentor younger women on their careers and students on career choices regularly. I do one through my professional association once a fortnight, and the student one through a national charity fortnightly during school term. I find it rewarding.
I have friends in the same situation with young children, who volunteer to manage and coach their kids sports teams, wash all the uniforms etc.
I guess different people have different priorities.
How does having money difficulties have anything to do with helping others? And for those who are REALLY struggling — as in they need 3 jobs just to put food on the table…this initiative is actually FOR them. If you wanted to find SOMETHING, ANYTHING to nitpick, just say so.
You guys are daft or something? It’s not about money. It’s about not having the time to worry about anything but working so you can take care of your own family.
@Silver – no dear, we’re not “daft or something”. Read my comment below — I was mentoring someone while working a full-time job, taking care of my 90 year old mother who I moved in with me, doing all the shopping, cooking, gardening, housework, pet care AND lugging my mother to endless doctors appointments and occasionally to hospital. I MADE TIME to help out someone who more than needed and deserved the kind of help I could provide.
Thanks for replying directly to me and going straight for the name-calling, even though numerous other posters also called you out on your little attempt to be snide. It fell flat, that’s okay. Learn to read the room.
@swirlmamad — notice Silver says “It’s a great idea for people who make enough money to have the free time to do it. She [Meghan] forgets that most people are struggling to survive and pay their own bills.” Then she back-peddles and says “It’s not about money”. I think Silver got her well-deserved comeuppance. 👍👍👍
@Silver- Once again as others have mentioned..
‘If you are able, please JOIN US and pledge 40 minutes today in service of others’
If you are able….. It’s not a shaming statement, it’s not a demand, it’s not an expectation. No one is bad if they are not ABLE to do it.
So, no, no daftness going on with the posters who’ve read the whole statement and comprehended the meaning of the statement.
@Silver – My best friend is a single mum to a teenager on the spectrum, earns minimum wage and volunteers at the local care van twice a week.
Giving back to people in need supports both both their and your own mental health. It’s a privilege to be able to help people in need, no matter how small the gesture. I guess you don’t see that.
@Silver
*Massive eyeroll*
Pay attention to the ENTIRE message, not just the bits you want to use for your agenda.
Silver,sigh, there is always one of you out there isn’t it? Just can’t help your bitter selves
silver cant get over the fact that Meghan was sitting in a room full of nice stuff.
When my broke ass was living in LA in a studio apartment, I mentored a teen for 5 years (and I didn’t even own a car for the first 3 years of it! I took the subway to meet up with her!) and continue to keep tabs on her as an adult.
Agreed. I’m a single mom living in LA, and I have spent the pandemic shopping for groceries for my neighbors who were the most vulnerable, i.e. over 65. This was before there was a hope for a vaccine, and it continues, because now we are friends. I shopped, my son bagged what I bought into bags he delivered to each neighbor, who is thankfully still alive. This is what we are able to do, and that is exactly Meghan’s point.
“If you are able” is open to interpretation, however you can help. For me, and my son, it’s buying groceries for seniors who should not be out and about.
@Silver, “if you are able” is doing some work here. Jeezus.
Silver, if you get the chance to watch the video you will see that Meghan addressed exactly the things you are talking about.
I help mentor my newer coworkers. I remember being a new employee in my department and how it felt, a little overwhelming and a bit lost. It doesn’t take much to do that. But as others said above, if you watched the video all your complaints would have been answered
@Silver — What a bitter, selfish person you must be to think only rich people with time on their hands can be good mentors. I mentored a young woman for several years who was having debilitating anxiety issues — I gave her free Reiki and hypnosis treatments and trained her in level one Reiki to help her handle her anxiety attacks, and it worked really well. I did this on nights and weekends when I wasn’t working, and I’m far from some rich person with all the time in the world to spend helping out others.
Why the personal attacks? Gain some perspective — you don’t know Meghan and this is a gossip website. Take a deep breath.
Ada, Jaded described her personal history with service in order to provide perspective.
Oh, look. It’s a Can’t fan.
Silver helping someone doesn’t always come with a price tag. Committing to smile and say hello to every person you meet in 40 minutes could make a world of difference to a person feeling down and out. Look at the glass as half full.
Reading skills lacking much? Or you just mad today?
It’s a lovely initiative and she looks great. Was that Harry juggling in the background? I got my hopes up when I heard Suits reunion, only for her to shut it down.
I love this idea so much! I mentor young women just starting out in their careers and mentoring can be truly impactful. I do wish we would talk about sponsorship more though.
What I love about this initiative is that she is tying it to post-Covid recovery because a lot of scholars and governments are talking about the harmful economic impact on Covid on women. It is entirely in character and on brand for her to link her efforts to the “She-session”. Love this idea and I respect her!
Plus, on a shallow note, she looks fantastic.
All what you said and yes, she looks amazing.
I LOVED IT (shouting). Honestly, I watched it twice. Melissa is so cute, and Meghan knew how to play off her so well. And Meghan looks absolutely fantastic. The dog bed in front of the big fireplace! Love!!
Also, the initiative is thoughtful and lovely and necessary.
I honestly wasn’t expecting this but it really is a good initiative. Asking people to give a little time and expertise to hel others. It has been hard for many women.I was laid off at the early part of the pandemic shutdown, and then when I did get back to work, it was so much harder to manage with the kids doing online learning. Tears and meltdowns every day, and now even with school’s opening back to in person, aftercare is still scarce. This is still a very transitional time for many. What a great way for Meghan to mark her 40th birthday, it’s an initiative that can be scaled up, and no ones talking about party’s and Oprah’s caterer. She looks really good and has that glow.
I love this idea! I volunteer weekly and it’s the highlight of my week. Go duchess!
I loved this video! Too cute and a great idea. Plus we got to see decor and the pup snoozing happily in the background. Win.
So, the royal commentators were wrong. I think this is a good initiative. Once again she shows why the Royal Family hates her.
@Amy bee
You got it! Loud and wrong. Its because their imagination is sooooooo limiting! Excruciatingly, cringely so.
The didn’t even get the birthday cake right – this was fully iced with fruit, not flowers.
The UK and RF could have had this and think what it would have done for their “brand”. Instead they are now lessened by their own actions, viewed world wide for the petty, jealous, racists they are.
Waiting to see the Keenbridge “totally not a rip off/lite” version be hurriedly announced in the next 48 hours with no preparation or planning
PS, yes I am being critical but this initiative is so simple and inspiring.
She is truly a Phenomenal Woman. Bravo, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, First of her Name.
Meghan and Harry’s workspace is so aesthetically pleasing. I would sit in that place all day if it were me. Also did anyone notice the cute photos on her desk. Love that they were out of focus but we still get a tiny glimpse. Harry and Meghan taking control of THEIR life
Isn’t it?? I commented on the other thread that the space looks so soothing. I’m getting ready to start working from home permanently, and I’m sitting here thinking that this is the kind of workspace I need in our home office–soft colors, minimalism, plants (and a fireplace would help). My husband’s framed football jerseys on the walls aren’t going to cut it!
Some folks online are claiming that one of the pics is of Lilibet, and that it’s the first image of her anyone has seen. Talk about desperate. I hope the Sussexes’ security is top-grade.
The fixation that some people have on seeing a photo of Lillibet is creepy and verging on disturbing. Their own lives are lacking…something, making them able to still be bitching about this for more than a month now. They STILL feel entitled. They just don’t get it.
She is legit in my top 5 favorite celebrities ever. Even though she might come across to some as a touch over-the-top sometimes, it is really genuinely who she is and her desire to serve, help others and just be an overall kind human being shines through. She looks absolutely lovely, too — she’s simply glowing and has a very voluptuous, serene mama look going on. I hope this is visual proof that she and Harry are truly at peace now (or almost there) and enjoying their family and life. Living well is the best revenge and I hope the BM/rota chokes on it.
Someone called her a grown up Lisa Simpson recently, and it’s so spot on. And I mean that in the warmest sense!
Yes….that writer was saying that the haters in britain have made the mistake of trying to compare M to the wrong Simpson. That she’s more a grown up Lisa Simpson than the useless, short-lived-king’s consort of british royal history.
Meghan looks fabulous. God she isn’t aging . Great cause.
Yeah I want a filter that just gives me some of that glow lol.
The Markle Sparkle filter would be v popular, I think.
Too cute. I had to watch it twice to catch the style details, but I so love the contrast between Meghan’s work space and Kate’s fake office. Ok, clearly both Meghan and her workspace have been highly styled, but she’s using a laptop and video calling and it’s all a picture of modernity, confidence, serenity and ability. You’re not going to find a clunky desk phone or obsolete printer anywhere around Meghan.
She sure didn’t have limited editions of all of the works of Jane Austen and a telephone straight out of 1992. How *does* she manage to get anything done?? Lmao every time I think about Kate’s “office.”
As an obsessive book love I actually liked seeing the Clothbound editions. Until I found out that they were there since 2016 (and maybe even before) and they were the exact same titles. It’s one thing to be an actual book lover and reader, it’s another to just parade it around and pretend. If you love to read, you wouldn’t just keep the same books, you’d add more to your shelves.
Every time Meghan does something like this I get so excited that she’s slowly making her way out and then I read comments from bitter women who won’t hop off her dick long enough for those of us who DO LIKE HER to enjoy the moment. No, her asking people with valuable skills to spend 40 minutes mentoring women is NOT her calling you a broke ugly. That’s you projecting.
A delightful video. No need for it to be dissected within an inch of its life. People who don’t like Meghan need serious therapy. It’s morphed into a form of psychosis. Sorry, she rejected your flailing empire. HEAL.
I know, isn’t it strange when people can’t take things for what they are? Like what could possibly be wrong with helping someone for 40 minutes – not 40 minutes a day, but 40 minutes out of one’s entire lifespan?
Thank you!
Agreed!
What a list of people that have already committed! Yet more proof Sussexes are in the big leagues. I’m sure the Keenbridges are seething with jealousy.
I don’t think Mean and Keen know FOUR people who would sign on to one of their dinky “initiatives”, far less 40.
what initiatives?
Which won’t stop them from announcing something soon. “Spend 50 minutes with a child! You’ll love it, and so will they!” FIFTY minutes, not forty, because they’re totally better than the Sussexes.
I think William has eaten a big bowl of jealousy for every breakfast he’s ever had. It’s probably his blood type by now.
LMAO
Ha, green will totally show through her new tan.
I can’t wait to see how Kate copies this one. She’ll definitely start with the necklaces.
Is there an article out with full analysis of when Meghan became friends with Melissa?
How Hollywood Meghan has become?
Are the haters right now on Melissa’s Twitter spewing hate?
Totally funny video. I saw it right after getting off a call with my manager about how unsustainable the work load was all the while thinking to myself that I need to get a new job.
I hope Archwell follows up with links to resources, if they have not already.
It’s a smart and honestly needed initiative. In my job I have to at times conduct interviews and it’s amazing how many people a) don’t know how to properly write a resume, and/or b) interview well. Now with so many people having lost their jobs during the pandemic youve got a lot of people reentering the work force to start new for the first time in years if not decades. I was fortunate a few years ago to have someone more experienced who worked in my industry edit my resume and give me some really sound advice and i still think about how gracious she was to take that hour or so out of her day to talk with me. Tbh i haven’t volunteered in a while so might take on this challenge as I do think it can make a positive difference.
Also nice to see that she partnered with her patronage Smartworks, which works to help women in the UK reenter the work force, as well as LA Works, which iirc she mentioned as an org she used to work with when she became Smartworks’patron, for this initiative.
It’s always interesting to see the through lines between all of her work over the years.
Yes, once again, Meghan announces something after she’s done all the work. And I like how she clearly presents ideas and projects that are realistic and achievable. I don’t have to wonder what she means, I don’t have to decipher a pie chart, I don’t have to solve the entire world’s problems, just help one person.
I’ve been working with my niece and some of her classmates on considering careers, on how to write resumes, interviews, etc.. At the same time, I’m learning a lot from them about how different life expectations are for the next generation. It’s been really interesting.
It’s crazy to me how social media is blowing up about this. Meghan was prepared and she asked EVERYONE to get involved – and it appears they all said yes.
The amount of people involved is amazing. I just saw Hilary Clinton’s post! I am blown away.
#DuchessofSuccess
I truly love this hashtag for Meghan — it 100% fits!
Stacey Abrams has signed on. I am impressed. Also so many different people in law, engineering, nursing, writing.All offering to help out.
So is Princess Eugenie. She called her “dear Meghan” 😊
Stacey Abrams, Katie Couric, and so many others… this is a great list. Also Eugenie openly supporting this is nice and might explain the paps chasing Jack.
Mentoring helps and gives me a sense of purpose. I don’t think I’ll ever have kids and so it’s important to me that I use some of that energy helping kids who need an extra hand in life. I can’t devote the energy into adopting but I can devote time to teen girls with ADHD who need a helping hand.
>>Mentoring helps and gives me a sense of purpose<<
This.
The family pictures in the background are so cute! They seem like such a beautiful family and so at peace with their life now 🥺
Yahoo is reporting that one of these photos is of Harry holding Lily. I’m waiting for some super-sleuthing person to zoom in and take a screen shot. LOL. They do seem happy which is awesome. I loved the video and watched the bloopers twice.
PEOPLE.com has a story up on this — apparently they’re saying the tri-fold frame on the desk holds a photo of Lili in the middle of the 3 photos. I guess if you squint it looks like the image could be of Harry holding her nose-to-nose but it’s so blurred it could be of whatever folks want it to be. Lol.
I swear people will give themselves eye strain trying to decipher those thumbnail sized blurry photos.
Loved the video and everything it stands for and all the little details like the sleeping dog, Harry juggling out the window, and Meghan’s necklace. I was a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, one of the large Big-Little chapters in the country, I did it for two years. I had to stop because just as I moved out of NYC, my Little and her family moved down to North Carolina. I would have continued otherwise as I didn’t move that far out of the city and didn’t think the once a month thing was impossible. I still talk to my Little through text and send her cards for her birthday and Christmas. I loved being a Big Sister and I absolutely loved my Little and still do. It was a commitment, especially the first year where you are supposed to meet up with your Little at least twice a month (after the second year it moved to once a month). And I definitely struggled finding things I thought my Little would enjoy as she was in 4th grade when I met her but 9/10 we always had a good time. If it’s something you’ve been considering, I highly recommend it. You do have to be flexible as a lot of these kids come from low-income families and they don’t have a lot of stability. They also do a THOROUGH background check when you apply to become a Big. At least the NYC chapter does, I remember being shocked at some of the questions they asked me in my interview but it makes sense when you are dealing with youth from difficult backgrounds.
So I’ve done more than my fair share of 40 minutes and I’m working in COVID emotional support right now so I feel like I’m doing my duty. It’s really not that hard to do mentorship if you really think about it.
This is awesome. I know a couple of people who have served as Big Sisters and they each said it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of their life.
Loved the initiative. Loved loved the video. It was so cute and charming. Harry juggling in the background was hilarious. As was Melissa’s reaction to it. Happy Birthday, Meghan! So glad you’re happy, healthy and at peace under your trees with your babies and husband.
Just watched the video and I WANT HER DESK!!!!!!!
Great video and Prince Harry juggling was the icing on the cake. Pun intended.
I love that her and Harry share a desk, they really are a team in everything. I absolutely love these two people
Love Harry’s “H” chair that coordinates with everything in the room….you know all that is down to Meghan’s artistic eye!
What happened to the grazing table, the naked cake, the 65 party guests, and Oprah’s party planner? GMB announced that a photo Kate took of a holocaust survivor, would be displayed at the national portrait gallery in the near future. My first thought was, they were hoping for a lavish party then they could contrast it with the holocaust photo, making Meghan look frivilous, but alas, it backfired. No weapon fashion against this woman will prosper!
Oh, imagine if that was the plan – Serious Kate being serious while Spendthrift Meghan whoops it up during a pandemic. Interesting how Kate’s accomplishments are always going to happen in the future.
The RR’s look so ridiculous over this. They tried to paint her birthday as a big self-serving fluff party when it turned out to be the complete opposite–about serving others. Somebody get them a towel to wipe all that dripping egg off their faces!
I stands Megs, I love that she is sitting there in her fabulous heels. I am seriously crushing on her . She is adorable
Yeah, and can we talk about those fabulous shoes…
Are those Manolos? She has the best show game.
Her outfit is so cozy and I love the shoes but wish she had worn some adorable slippers. The heels are gorgeous but seeing some bunny slippers under the desk woulda been cute.
Now Eugenia pledged on Instagram along with a beautiful note! Something is wrong at the palace
I just commented on that above! good for her. It’s sad to say that she is “taking a risk” by doing this bc supporting this initiative should not be risky. But I’m glad to see that she is actively supporting Meghan here.
Hadn’t seen that yet — that’s pretty awesome, Good for Eugenie and that’s great to see her openly support H&M. After the kerfuffle with Jack earlier this week….maybe she’s finally like “F it, none of these people are here for me — I’m going to support my cousins and who cares what any of them say.” Apparently, they’re going to screw with the York girls anyway (see Edo’s WalkGate for Bea), so may as well stop worrying about playing it safe b/c you’re not going to ever get the Chuck, Will & Kate protective treatment.
Yeah….they’ve been keeping their head down and trying to play the royal game and I think this week showed that they are just the next up on the chopping block when the Cambridges need to throw someone under the bus.
Whoa, combined with the press the York sisters have received in the last 48 hours, something does seem to be up. Good on Eugenia for doing her thing anyway.
+1
HBD to Meghan, and what a cute video! Love to see her at peace and relaxed.
As a woman who had lost her job during COVID and who took care of sick granny.. I can only say thanks to Meghan for her efforts. The problem is great and as far as I am not american nor British I can only thank her for her tries to help women. Even if the one woman in such a situation can find relief and help – it’s great, trust me. One happy woman = few happy persons around her. Cause woman affects her relatives around her. I am glad to see Meg healthy and soooooooo beautiful, my God! Hope, she’ll celebrates well.
I love all of this. I can’t even conceptualize how the British media and RF are going to somehow twist this on her. They are absolute Olympians in the mental gymnasts category and I fully expect them to extrapolate something. Seeing how amazing this is, Sussexit is truly truly is the BRF’s loss.
I’m completely tickled at how wrong the ratchets and the mediocre royals were in their read of “Hollywood meghan.” They wanted her to be a grasping briefcase model who would grovel in their exalted presence. They wanted her to abase herself, be intimidated by them, desire their approval and praise, which they thought they could wield like a weapon.
Jokes on them. Her excellence will shine a bright light on their incompetence, small-mindedness, and petty jealousy. The Sussexes have charisma, glamour, energy, creativity, courage, and empathy. The royals have inertia masquerading as tradition, racism, entitlement, and cowardice.
I’ve seen that Adele, Ciara, and Sarah Paulson have each pledged for the 40×40. Big names! Now do you hear that sound? It’s Kate’s teeth gnashing from Mustique…
A lot of big names and many people in various professions are signing on to this. This is really impressive and hope it continues and grow. I’m really impressed and would love to see the results of it. What a way to mark a milestone birthday, and she’s still on maternity leave.
Gabrielle Union! Hillary Clinton!
I feel like we’re going to need a separate post tomorrow about how many are getting involved.
Whoa!!!
I mean, I have no doubt that Meghan got people on board early to ensure just that kind of star power, and who would say no? She’s kind of a sure thing! I love the specificity of her work, and the impact it could have. It must be so satisfying to see your hard work and planning play out. Also, the “looking peaceful under a tree is just me everyday now” made me smile very, very hard.
I’m not an expert in these things, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the announcements of high profile people officially coming on board through social media were intentionally spaced out, to add anticipation/ excitement. It reminds me of the award show logistics – who arrives early, and who makes an entrance?
My most fervent birthday wish is for the participation of the queen herself ( by which, of course, I mean Beyonce 👑)
Yep. You’re going to see big names showing support for days and maybe even weeks. She could be never have done this while still in the firm. They don’t have the imagination and they know the other ones could never pull in big names like this.
Melissa McCarthy’s book stack is hilarious. I know they’re both doing it but hers is so ad hoc, what I grabbed a second ago. She’s another reason I can’t go back to the old Gilmore Girls episodes. Sooki was a fun character until I saw how truly talented MM is, and now realize how much she was holding back/was held back on that show. (Her cameo in the reboot was probably the best part).
I used to have a job where my primary role was mentoring college students in “at risk” categories, which means statistically in danger of withdrawing over financial or family pressures. I loved that work. Mentoring is easily as rewarding for the mentor. It’s cliche to say so but completely true. I just signed up with YWCA. I’m super impressed that when you click ywca.org, the first thing you see is the Archewell initiative.
MMxMM. Love it!!
I’m loving seeing all the responses to this on Twitter. It’s made my whole day!
yes my twitter feed was lovely today and flooded with happy birthday wishes for her. i loved the video, it was cute and got the message across. post partum meghan looks like she found her peace.
Haters gonna hate. The BM are mad the Sussexes are not living in penury and they chose to do the bidding of the BRF. I home the Markles are choking on these photos. The Monsters in Law still live on table scrap after trashing her in the tabloids for blood money. Just fate for that bunch.
They probably had Tom all ready to go on tv and give interviews bitching about how he wasn’t invited to the nonexistent party, lol
I am in. Part of my job already involves this, but when definitely go outside that to participate in this excellent initiative.
Finally Kate can now start planning what she’s gonna do for her 40th, now she has Meghan to cosplay from. Lol.
Love the idea, what a great way to celebrate your milestone birthday, by giving back. Love it.
Also eugenie has show support for this and is volunteering, so I’m sure the salty tabloids are gonna be mad at her. They seem to be slowly targeting eugenie more, but I’m glad she’s publically showing support. Willie and keen will be mad lol.
I am as sure as the sun will keep shining that kHate’s handlers are now busy trying to see how they can replicate what M has done for her milestone birthday, with some changes here and there to make it not so obvious that theyre copycatting.
They have 4 months and a few weeks in which to come up with something. Lets see what they copy from M’s initiative. I’m sure that whether or not they were planning a big, stolen-jewels-laden birthday bash, they will now be sure to add a service component. Lets see if they have the brain or imagination to put something together that is as globally appreciated and applauded as M’s 40×40 birthday initiative.
@Carmen my money is on them announcing some huge initiative tied to Kate’s birthday, and then we never hear about it ever again.
This might have been a great “ both duchesses” initiative, since their 40 bdays are so close. What they could have achieved by working together as a true team. Oh, well.
Omg all of these powerful people supporting her is so great. It speaks volumes as to why she and Harry wanted out so they could serve in their own way, and shows how out of touch the firm is and how little they accomplish. If you look at the comments on the 5 lead stories in their DM, the excuses are tiresome. “I thought they wanted privacy” and “Harry is under her spell” and “Meghan is a horrible woman” and “why doesn’t she help her own father” blah blah blah. It’s just veiled racism and elitist.
I love that Eugenie is on the list and Kate is not (as of yet lol). Was she asked? Did she decline? I can imagine the DM coming up with a story that Kate was not asked or asked to participate and Meghan said no and made her cry again.
Kate’s mentorship would offer what? She’d offer advice on how to create a 5 question survey?
I wouldn’t want this woman’s advice on anything much less WORK related.
Keen’s the one who needs mentoring.
Oh i agree Kate has nothing to offer. Eugenie has come out in support of her … imagine if Kate did the same? She for sure won’t. Is the pressure there?
This is so Meghan and I love it. And it’s an initiative she can promote for the rest of her 40th year. And can I just say she looks like money! The outfit, the gorgeous office, the glowy skin. Being back home in California is doing her good. She looked nice in England but she’s sparkling now that she’s back home.
Agreed. Being away from toxic people is looking great on both of them.
Didn’t you know? According to The Fail one Jonathan Shalit (OBE) says she is using the birthday party to ‘launch a business empire’. Unhinged.
Love the idea and the video!
Of course some items seen in Meghan’s study are already trending. The Cup and Saucer…..SOLD OUT….since the video on Archwell went up.
I just can’t love her any more if I tried. I am proud that I defend Meghan Markle online to complete strangers, she never lets me down, it’s VERY satisfying!
I don’t understand why but when Meghan speaks people start interpreting what she’s saying before she finishes as though she doesn’t speak English. It’s not just Royal Reporters that take what she says out of context. She said 40 minutes of your time, NOT 40 minutes a day‼️ its also in writing on the site. Get your umbrella and prepare for the mumble jumble 💩 show coming from Shutter Island tomorrow. 🖐🏽❤️
I loved this so much (although the video is glitchy for me, too. I tried watching it twice on two different devices. It keeps stopping and reloading.) Anyway, Meghan looks SO beautiful, it was fun to see Harry’s silly moment, IS that a Lilibet teaser pic in the middle of the tri-fold frame? And… what a wonderful, cool thing to do for her 40th birthday—start an initiative. Just amazing. Regal is as regal does. #QueenMeghan
Cringe
Do you know what I find absolutely hilarious? The fact that Meghan can just call up 40 of her friends to help her and kate won’t be able to find 4 people let alone 4 friends because that woman ain’t got no friends
I am also imagining Megs calling Kate to mentor her about how to work and what work actually is. Lol
Do you know what I find absolutely hilarious? The fact that Meghan can just call up 40 of her friends to help her and kate won’t be able to find 4 people let alone 4 friends because that woman ain’t got no friends
I am also imagining Megs calling Kate to mentor her about how to work and what work actually is and how to do it.
Happy to see Princess Eugenie’s participation in 40×40 mentorship project. What about Bea and Sophie?
What is wrong with some people 🙄🤪
From the Daily Fail:
Meghan’s mentors to get women back to work ‘could do more harm than good’ regardless of how well-meaning they are, warns expert, as she says Duchess’s woke 40th birthday project ‘feels like a publicity stunt’
The Duchess of Sussex needs to ensure her team is made up of the right advisers because the wrong one can ‘destroy’ their clients’ self-belief, Hannah Martin from the Talented Ladies Club said.
😑
These jealous Karen’s are so salty and jealous
Sorry salty and bitter I meant to say
Meghan’s simple 40 minutes mentoring directive has picked up support from some of the most powerful people in the world. As usual, the proof is in the Sussex pudding.
@NIC919 you’re right the British media clowns are now after Eugenie’s husband Jack. They are insinuating Jack’s infidelity with other women. How deranged and inhuman can these Rota Rats be! All they want is to wreck a beautiful family. Why would they want to do that ? Is it because Eugenie is close to the Sussexes? These rats are low lifers.
I love Megs idea. But Eugenie’s support means a lot, she’s now publically supportive and friendly while whole RF is comstantly engorged with rage. Did she saw the writing on the wall and decided „fuck it! There’s nothing good for me here anyway”? She’ll be completely sidelined when the queen dies and who knows what Chuck is going to take away from them. The world is big, she will not have Harry’s success but it doesn’t mean she can’t have a comfortable life on her own.
And if she knows Jack’s photos were a punishment for being close to H&M now that she’s publically supporting them it will be more obvious if new stories about her family start popping up. So smart move imo.