Meghan Markle Gets A Warm Welcome Back To The UK — Just Not From Who You'd Expect
Meghan Markle moved back to the UK with Prince Harry and their two kids after spending close to five years in the US.
The Sussexes' UK return may seem triumphant, but they are yet to be openly acknowledged by the royal family. After the news broke about their return, the couple's move has been heavily scrutinized and analyzed by media outlets, royal fans, and experts alike. In particular, the Duchess of Sussex has received mixed reactions for making Britain her home again. Despite the heavy negative atmosphere, Meghan Markle's comeback has been hailed as a success by one of her beloved charitable institutions, which has welcomed her with open arms.
According to HELLO! Smart Works, a U.K.-based charity that assists unemployed and vulnerable women in securing employment through coaching and by providing professional interview attire, has celebrated its patron's homecoming. Markle has been associated with the charity since 2019, continuing in this role even after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California in 2020. The charity representative stated, "We are very excited to welcome the Duchess and her family back to the UK."
Smart Works was one of the four original public patronages received by the Duchess after her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, marking her role as a working royal. The organization is currently the only UK charity for which Markle remains a patron. In 2021, she gave up her patronage of the National Theatre, which Queen Camilla took over in 2022. She also stepped down from her roles with the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Queen's Commonwealth Trust in 2021 after leaving the UK and the royal family in 2020.
In 2023, the Duchess commemorated the organization's 10th anniversary with a lengthy, emotional Instagram post lauding the efforts and dedication towards the women's cause. She congratulated the community, highlighting their transformative impact on women in the UK. She emphasized that Smart Works offered more than just clothing; it provided belief and support to those in need. The Duchess expressed her gratitude for the transformative impact of the Smart Works experience on women, highlighting the joy and empowerment it brings. She highlighted the importance of investing in women's futures and acknowledged the contributions of those who support this mission, wishing them continued success in the coming decade. In March 2021, Smart Works disclosed that Meghan sent handwritten notes to support women job hunting, using her calligraphy skills to write personal messages of encouragement.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, smiles during her visit to Smart Works on January 10, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. Smart Works is one of the four organizations of which she has become Royal Patron, as announced today by Kensington Palace. (Image Source: Getty Images | Clodagh Kilcoyne - WPA Pool)
Since its 2013 launch, Smart Works has assisted over 32,000 women and engaged 665 volunteers, with 11 centers established and a 69% job placement rate. The Duchess of Sussex made multiple visits to its center, including a notable appearance after maternity leave in 2019, and has also been instrumental in launching a women's workwear capsule collection. Despite relocating, she remained involved in the cause through video calls and supportive messages to job seekers, PEOPLE! reported.
