Monday 17 September 2018

"A Place For Women To Laugh, Grieve, Cry And Cook Together": Duchess Meghan's First Solo Project!

Less than four months since becoming a member of the British Royal Family, the Duchess of Sussex has unveiled her first solo project in support of Grenfell. In February, the Mirror revealed Meghan had been making a number of private, under the radar visits to the Al Manaar community mosque. She focused on meeting families who had lost loved ones and discussed how the community hoped to rebuild following the horrific blaze. Those visits affected Meghan deeply and she was determined to help in any way she could. 


In summer 2017, a group of women gathered in a communal kitchen at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in West London, where they could prepare fresh food for their families, friends and neighbours. As they cooked together and shared recipes, as a community they began to connect, heal and look forward.  Word spread and more women joined in – this was the start of the Hubb Community Kitchen.


Kensington Palace said: "The Duchess of Sussex first visited the kitchen in January 2018 and has continued to make regular private visits. United by their passion for cooking as a way of strengthening communities, The Duchess was inspired by how the project empowers women at a grassroots level, and championed the cookbook project as a way of ensuring the kitchen can continue transforming lives and communities through cooking."


Hear more about the project directly from the Duchess in the video below. One portion in particular sums up Meghan's commitment and vision for me. She met Zahira, one of the women cooking in the Hubb, and asked "how many days do you offer this service"? Zahira replied "two". Meghan said "Why not seven days, Zahira?" When she heard funding was the issue she added: "We can do a cookbook".


One lady recalled discussing the possibility of a creating a cookbook with Meghan: "She mentioned, how about sharing your recipes with other people in a recipe book? And I was thinking Nah it can't be true. Because you know when you dream and dream but your dream is not getting anywhere and then someone just comes and says "I'm making your dream come true".


The Duchess spent a number of days getting to know the women in the Hubb, cooking and sharing recipes. Meghan wrote the foreword for 'Together', which features the women's own personal recipes from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

"I immediately felt connected to this community kitchen; it is a place for women to laugh, grieve, cry and cook together.
"Melding cultural identities under a shared roof, it creates a space to feel a sense of normalcy – in its simplest form, the universal need to connect, nurture, and commune through food, through crisis or joy – something we can all relate to…
"Through this charitable endeavour, the proceeds will allow the kitchen to thrive and keep the global spirit of community alive."

Meghan added: "I had watched the Grenfell Tower tragedy unfold on the news; I was in Canada at the time, sharing the global sentiment of shock and sympathy for what this community was enduring, while also deeply wanting to help. Fast-forward seven months and I was set to meet some of the women affected by the fire."



More from the foreword:

"I have a lifelong interest in the story of food – where it comes from, why we embrace it and how it brings us together: the universal connection to community through the breaking of bread," she wrote. "Within this kitchen’s walls, there exists not only the communal bond of togetherness through sharing food, but also a cultural diversity that creates what I would describe as a passport on a plate: the power of a meal to take you to places you’ve never been, or transport you right back to where you came from.”

In the introduction, the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen wrote: "Our kitchen has always been a place of good food, love, support and friendship. We cook the recipes we’ve grown up with; there’s no stress, and the recipes always work because they have been made so many times – it’s proper comfort food. Swapping family recipes and moments of laughter gave us a sense of normality and home. We named ourselves the Hubb Community Kitchen to celebrate the thing that we all feel every time we meet – hubb means love in Arabic."


Every dish tells a story of history, culture and family, and each has been developed to use few ingredients and easy methods so that anyone can cook these personal recipes. Together features mouthwatering recipes including Green Chilli and Avocado Dip, Coconut Chicken Curry, Aubergine Masala, Persian Chicken with Barberry Rice, Caramelised Plum Upside-Down Cake, Spiced Mint Tea and lots more.


 This stunning charity cookbook is a homage to life, friendship and togetherness.


Together: Our Community Cookbook is available at Waterstones and Amazon for £10. For those in the US, the book is available to pre-order on Amazon US.


Profits from the sales of Together will support the Hubb Community Kitchen, helping to keep it open for up to seven days a week and to widen its reach to others in the community, so it can continue changing lives and bringing people together through cooking. The Duchess is supporting the project in her role as Patron of The Royal Foundation, which The Royal Foundation is administering the transfer of funds from the sale of ‘Together’ to the Hubb Community Kitchen and related community projects.


If Together has inspired you, the Royal Foundation would love to hear about it.


The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy devastated a nation last year when 71 people lost their lives. The courage, bravery and efforts to rebuild a shattered community have been nothing short of inspirational. Since the day Harry and Meghan announced their engagement, the Duchess fulfilled her promise, hit the ground running, and quickly discovered how she could help make an impact. I am incredibly impressed and delighted she has chosen Grenfell for her first solo project. It's wonderful to see her using her platform to raise much needed funds. The fact she spent so much of her time preparing this project before the wedding speaks volumes about her sense of duty. Omid Scobie revealed Meghan worked closely with photographer Jenny Zarins and Penguin Books to bring the book to life.


During the engagement interview Meghan said "Once you have access or a voice that people are willing to listen to, with that comes a lot of responsibility, which I take very seriously". This is the first of many times Meghan will use her voice for women and girls.


On Thursday, Meghan will host an event at Kensington Palace to mark the launch of the cookbook.

Hello! reports: "The Duchess has invited the women to the palace to help prepare a meal before they sit down to enjoy the food with their guests - including Prince Harry! Other invitees include members of the local community, representatives from Ebury Press, Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre and The Royal Foundation."


The Palace also confirmed The Duke and Duchess will join more than 200 young Coach Core apprentices for the Coach Core Awards at Loughborough University on 24 September. We'll see you on Thursday for the launch event!

143 comments:

  1. Well done! Impressive! She is fantastic! This is how it is done! This is when behind the scene work really happens!

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    1. Could not be better said Anett

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    2. I agree Anett. This is the way it needs to be done.

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    3. Hi there Rosman! Nice to see you pop in!

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    4. Hi Anett - I enjoyed my break away but felt this called for a pop-by !

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  2. What a great way of starting her projects, and a sensitive approach to Grenfell and the Community. I think this echoes her work in the Soup kitchen in the states - but it's a meaningful way to start building back the community spirit. 'Together' is a lovely sentiment. Well done DoS!

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  3. This is beautiful. ❤️
    So looking forward to Charlotte’s coverage of the book launch on Thursday too.

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  4. What a wonderful way to make a difference & I'm sure the ladies were so delighted working with Meghan! I want to cook with them! Since I can't the cookbook is such a great way to benefit them & inspire us! It's available on Amazon in US for $16.99. You need to go to US Amazon site not the UK link in article to get Prime shipping. Thanks for this article, Charlotte! Love it! Pre-ordering mine today.

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    1. Thank you Isabella, I will add a US link now :)

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    2. Thank you for this article Charlotte. Bravo Meghan!!! I am heading over to Amazon to pre order! Kathy

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    3. Just pre-ordered mine from Amazon in the US.

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    4. I've ordered a copy. My son is excited for me to cook foods from each of the different cultures. We loved the video you posted above.

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    5. I didn’t order my book quick enough on Amazon US, and now it’s unavailable. Hopefully that means another printing!

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    6. I was just on and Amazon has it, US reader. It's pre-order, but you can get one. I did.

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    7. You can sign up to receive an email when the book is available again on Amazon US. I also tried too late for the first batch. Hope the email comes soon.

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    8. Thanks for the update, bluhare and Patricia! I’ll get back on Amazon and pre-order.

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  5. When someone shows you who they are, believe them! Thank you Meghan for giving us further glances into the important things in your life beyond the public view. Attention brought once again to truly life changing causes.
    The RF is lucky to have the younger generation, think what the future will bring as history is written.

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  6. Wow! This is powerful work. This is how the royal family can make themselves relevant today. I’ve watched the monarchy for years but this feels like a fresh new chapter. I am so excited to see where the DOS work takes her. (And for once, I could care less what she’s wearing). Also, I love the way KP announced Thursday’s engagement. Notice the Duchess is listed first & later it is mentioned that Harry will accompany her. I love their relationship. You can tell HE supports HER and doesn’t mind letting the spotlight be on her. I think that goes both ways for each of them. Well done, Prince Harry, you picked a good one!

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    1. Anon,,so true!!! very well said, and beautifully put!! And I had noticed the little twist with words, about Thursday's engagement,as well. Almost As if Harry's name was added as an after thought. Very impressed with the work the DOS has been doing and if this is the start, I cant wait to see what would come next :)
      Thank You Charlotte!!XOXO
      Siddhi

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    2. I agree, 1349. What an incredible start for Meghan.

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  7. I love this. I'm also incredibly impressed. What happened to the Grenfell community was an absolute tragedy, yet the story of this community kitchen is heartwarming. Well done to Meghan for supporting them in such a meaningful way.

    And what a lovely write up too, thank you Charlotte

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    1. Yes Charlotte, absolutely beautiful! I'll have to finish reading the rest when the tears are gone! xo

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  8. Her foreword is beautiful. I love that she was able to share her personal story about the cultural food that is important to her and make a connection to the work the women of Hubb are doing to share their own culture and food.

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  9. Awesome!!!! Very beautiful way to rebuild their lives TOGETHER. Well done Duchess of Sussex, very well done. This is evidence that the Duchess of Sussex has NOT just been hanging around looking pretty in the palace. Fantastic work ethic and love for people. Keep it up! The world needs more of this KIND of passion. Simply wonderful. Thank you, Charlotte. Your coverage is so sensitive in pics and content. I felt your compassion for this project.

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    1. Amen to all that you said! xo

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    2. Well said Marcia! Exactly what I was thinking - she's not sitting in the palace with her feet up. And to think she was working on this project and planning a royal wedding! Last year I had the honor of enjoying a home cooked meal with a woman who had been a hand-maiden (lady-in-waiting) to the former Empress of Iran. The food was so delicious and now I have the chance to try more Mediterranean dishes and in a very small way, help keep this wonderful project going. Hats off to Meghan and the ladies of the Hubb! And thank you Charlotte for your beautiful coverage of this event.

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  10. This is so great. I cannot wait to get the cookbook. The video made me well up. Way to go, HRH.

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  11. Agree with Anonymous. No need to comment on clothes. The project and her involvement shine. The video was great.

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  12. What an inspiring project! There's something about food always bringing people together. Oooh and I see samoosas in the video, I love samoosas yummy! Way to go Duchess Meghan!

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  13. What a lovely thing for Meghan to put her time and name to. I don’t cook, but I’ll be buying this book to support the Hubb.

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    1. Like you, Anon 23, I don't cook. (I adore being fed, though.) Alas, these recipes include numerous ingredients to which I am allergic. However, I will buy this book to support the Hubb. I love that name. Food has always meant "love" to me.

      I'll check out Amazon Canada for its availability. While I hate to bring it up this early, for those who give gifts at Christmas this book might be a great choice. You won't even have to brave the weather and the stores. Only 97 shopping days left....

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  14. Royal 👑 Watcher17 September 2018 at 14:41

    OH WOW! I am speechless and so impressed. This is top class work. How can we get this cookbook to Australia?

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  15. So impressed by this endeavor! This cookbook will make for great holiday gifts; good job, Meghan!

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  16. I am proof the royal family has world and global reach by virtue of including a global human in their circle. I am buying the cookbook. Not because of the DoS, but because I want to help and she made it possible. Excellent work Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Excellent work.

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    1. My sentiments exactly 💕

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  17. The photographs are a absolutely stunning. What a wonderful story.

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  18. I'm sure her friends are not surprised by Meghan's desire to be part of the process. She obviously spent a lot of time and was part of the group. Much different than just posing for a photoshoot on one day. That was an horrific event, and there is a lot of love to bring such a spontaneous event to this point. The cookbook is moderately price and looks beautiful. I will buy it because the food sounds wonderful! Thursday sound like a very fun event, and I bet everyone is looking forward to it!

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  19. NEWS ALERT: Woman in Southern California presented to local emergency room in extreme danger of bursting with pride!! Being monitored carefully until danger has passed!!

    This is a wonderful thing. Meghan said she wanted to work with smaller, grassroots organizations and look at this. A small community organization helping people cope with the aftermath of that terrible fire. Good for you, Meghan!

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    1. bluhare, take care of yourself! :) This made me smile.

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    2. Lol Bluhare! I hear you though :)

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    3. lol lol lol! bluhare, only you could be so clever with your statement! I love it & the sentiment!! Peace! xo

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    4. Not me, Meghan's mom! If I were Doria I'd be ready to explode with pride. Such a great start to her work.

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    5. And I saw Meghan's mom is flying over to Britain today. I wonder if she will be there on Thursday!

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  20. I am happy Kensington Palace IG is removing hateful comments. I heard they have been doing it fir a few weeks now especially Meghan's posts. Some of the comments were becoming more hateful. This is a wonderful project and hope many of the grenfell and surrounding community can benefit.
    Good job Duchess Meghan!

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    1. Am so glad they are doing that & so sorry that they have to!! :(

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  21. OH WOW. This is so good. Magan really has a passion for human and charity. You can see at the photos that she was there different times and she is looking so netrual. I will buy the book because i want to help too. Magan does an amazing work. Thank you for this good Blog i am a regular reader from germanny Hannah

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  22. What a wonderful and inspiring way for theses ladies to turn that horrific event into a positive step forward. Well done Meghan for giving them the opportunity! I'll definitely be buying a couple as Christmas gifts.

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  23. Beautiful photos and the video really drove the point home. I seriously believe that Meghan wrote her own copy. Beautifully expressed and edited. As we have expected her life experiences prior to joining the RF will continue to benefit the RF and the community.

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    1. Yes the way wrote the foreword was exactly how she used to write the articles in her blog. I missed her blog so much but we at least got a glimpse of that in this cookbook. So well thought out and well done!

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  24. Thanks Charlotte for all that you do. I can’t think of a better idea a cookbook that people from all over the world can help / share in supporting the cause. The true spirit of the Commonwealth Thank you ladies of the Hubb for sharing your recipes Great work DOS❤️

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  25. This is fantastic! I will buy the book and support Hub, and can't wait to see it. Way to go Meghan! And thank you for this blog - I read all the posts from over here in Canada :)

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  26. This is pretty amazing. Congrats to Meghan for such a wonderful idea!

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    1. Annette New Zealand17 September 2018 at 22:34

      I was getting a bit worried about not seeing her lately except at public events like Trooping the Colour, Ascot, or upper class weddings in designer outfits, but thank goodness she is not just a pretty face in expensive clothes. The cookbook seems to have been her idea, but the great thing is that it sounds as if it was originally the Grenfell womens' idea to cook together. She took an interest,joined in and thought of how it could be expanded. Of course the publicity she gives the project will be a great way to promote the cookbook, but I hope she will continue to be hands on. She looks really happy and the other women obviously fully accept her as part of their group.

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    2. Annette, I think that's what sucks us in. Meghan seems totally genuine in her excitement for the project and participating in cooking with the women. It's really lovely to see.

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  27. @ Breezy@ 15:23. The Duchess of Sussex is NOT new to negative comments. She has been “mixed race” all her life and racism isn’t new either, it’s been around all her life. It’s nice of KP to remove “negative comnents” but as evident in today’s blog, the Duchess of Sussex, obviously, has NOT been distracted. I plan to keep my focus on the positive work being done by the Royal Foundation which has embraced the Duchess of Sussex as a valuable partner. Thanks again, Charlotte.

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    1. If Meghan can deal with the negative comments not only from the public but her non-family then I can focus primarily on the good and ignore all the noise. It is not stopping her one bit!

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    2. Yes I agree with you Marcia and Mimi but I am happy because something is being done about it. I know she can focus on her work she does not get distracted but I love going to the KP IG and was disturbed by some comments, so if they can block some of the hateful then I am grateful, this lets the haters know they can't just do whatever they want. Just like Charlotte does not publish hateful comments here and the blog is better for it, just my opinion.

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    3. I love that they are removing or blocking negative comments. Regardless of Meghan's abilities to move past the rubbish being posted/printed about her from her hateful markle family or other haters, KP doesn't have to have it in their house! I see it as setting boundaries, which is very helpful! "Not in our house" ! :) xo

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    4. Thanks Becca you said better than I could have :)

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  28. Rhonda - Wisconsin17 September 2018 at 16:35

    How AWESOME! I loved that she was there with them, rolled up her sleeves and dug in to help. It looks like everyone had a great time putting this together. She is such a wonderful breath of fresh air.... Can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve.

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  29. How wonderful is this! I wondered how we would learn more about the Duchess' interactions with Grenfell. Im so excited for Meghan and these ladies! I wish them much success with the cookbook. I can't wait to hear what else Duchess Meghan has taken on. YAY Meghan!

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  30. This was such a pleasant surprise. I'm so proud of Meghan. Her work with the women of this community is empowering & very touching. I am definitely getting the book not only because I love cooking, but I want to support these women as well. I'm so excited to see more of what Meghan has in mind as she branches out solo as a royal. Excellent work Meghan! And thank you for the lovely post Charlotte :)

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  31. This is such a worthwhile and amazing first solo project! Well done DoS!
    I can't believe I'm doing this... This is the first time I've posted on this forum but I'm super impressed with her for participating with these ladies on this project. I'm really looking forward to the launch on Thursday! :)

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    1. Welcome Lady Penelope :)

      It's been just lovely reading all of your comments today. It is a splendid project. Well done Meghan!

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    2. Shantel (@FashionandFaith)17 September 2018 at 17:15

      I am in love with this project! All of it. The fellowship between these women is helping them to heal. And they are giving that live back to the community to help them heal. Out of that awful tragedy has grown a new community. It’s absolutely wonderful.
      I’ve pre-ordered my copy of the cookbook and will likely give it as gifts to my girlfriends this Christmas.
      Meghan continues to make us all proud.
      Shantel
      Minnesota, USA

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    3. I enjoy reading your Twitter feed, Lady Penelope. Welcome.

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    4. Christmas Gifts!!! What a wonderful idea Shantel! I'm going to take your lead! :) xo

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    5. Thank you all for the warm welcome. Hi @Marci in Utah - I'm not on Twitter, so I'm not that Lady Penelope. Oh, I hope that I haven't used someone else's user name. Lady Penelope is a nickname of mine... Do you guys want me to change it?

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    6. My Senior Moment, Lady Penelope! I am following a Lady with a different name on Twitter. Don't change your name on any account . . . it is a lovely name.

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  32. You, know this just makes tears come to my eyes. What better way can grieving women and children come together to heal? The more I learn about Meghan, the more I like her. I would definitely buy this cookbook :) <3

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    1. Me too! I couldn't read the full post, due to my tearing up! xo

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    2. Me too, been blubbing all day. The Duchess of Sussex is an angel.

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  33. All the noise and distraction and fake news surrounding her and Meghan quietly does the work! So proud of what she has accomplished but most importantly how the women used their own talent, time and recipes to create a wonderful project. As a coobook foodie I'm definitely getting a copy!

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  34. Julia from Leominster17 September 2018 at 17:03

    I've said I'm not going to comment regularly on Meghan but would wait for something exceptional - and this is exceptional - the cookbook is a brilliant idea and I'm so glad to see Meghan's involvement. Freed from focus on what she is wearing, her natural connection with people is allowed to shine here as well as her interest in cooking. I hope they sell many copies.

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    1. I second that, Julia. Well done, Meghan! Great idea!

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    2. Oh Julia - what a coincidence - I felt exactly the same way ! Not surprisingly :)

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  35. I bought one via amazon.uk, they deliver to Belgium. Nice to know i can support something really great. I'm liking Meghan even more now. Lets hope the receipes are easy to make outside of the UK.

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  36. Amazing I love this, my respect for Meghan as increased after reading this.

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  37. Well done, Meghan. Good write-up, Charlotte, as always.

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  38. This is such a great idea, I think the Grenfell fire was one of greatest tragedies in recent years and it needs to kept in the public’s minds. The people affected were living in Kensington, albeit the wrong side of it, so I had hoped that the Royals would do everything they could for their neighbors. It seems like such a perfect fit for Meghan. She loves cooking and has the easy personality that makes people comfortable regardless of who they are. Sinead

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  39. Tears in my eyes. How lucky is the BRF and the UK that this lovely, caring, enterprising, young woman has pledged herself to to them? This is good works at its most essential. Checking on Amazon to see if the American edition will have measurements adjusted to our non-metric nation, but I'll probably buy it anyway, such a good cause.

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    1. Hi Greybird, I followed you on twitter!

      If the book is in British measures, here's a conversion chart. https://whatscookingamerica.net/equiv.htm

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    2. Thanks, bluhare, for the link. The conversions are always a problem when I use a British or European recipe. Judging by the videos, however, although there are baked goods, the emphasis seems to be on lots of healthy main dishes in this cuisine. So perhaps measuring is easier.

      Look at the quantity of food as well as the apparent quality! These large dishes are obviously intended to be divided and shared with families. I love the photo of Meghan in the steam helping to serve one of those massive pots of food! I have had lunch, but now I am hungry again, and I love Middle Eastern food. The smells and tastes are almost with me from the pictures.

      Now I'll go to amazon.com and order the book. The great cooks in my family may get copies for Christmas. The price is so reasonable that I wonder whether the charge should have been twice as much.

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    3. You are welcome, Patricia. I use some of my mother's British cookbooks and the conversions are very helpful.

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  40. Meghan is charting a new path by working on longer term, intimate projects with diverse communities and I hope the rest of the BRF follows along. Her true care and connection is more than evident here. We could do with more of this, and fewer 'drop by' visits. What dedication and drive from her!

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  41. I've only commented once before on this site, but follow it regularly as it is such a wonderful, positive representation of the work this exceptional young woman is doing in her new life (the work she's actually continuing from her previous life!). However, I felt strongly enough about this project that I felt the need to write. Bravo, bravo, bravo to the Duchess of Sussex! I am SO impressed. I live on a farm, and we grow nearly everything we eat. Canning season has been upon me fast and furious this year. One of the most gratifying things in my life is to share what we've grown and preserved, in the middle of winter, and savoring that deliciousness with family and friends. This project has hit me in such a warm, soft space of my heart, and I'm sitting here on my lunch break feeling so optimistic about the world right now. I look forward to purchasing my copy of this gorgeous book, and sharing some NEW meals with family and friends. THANK YOU, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX! WELL, WELL DONE!!!!!!!

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  42. I am so proud of the Duchess. What an absolutely fantastic way to begin her journey in the Royal Family. I’ve just pre-ordered my copy. Well done!

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  43. Thanks for your great work, Charlotte. Looking foward to trying the recipes. Love middle eastern flavors. This project seems so representative of Meghan's interests and how she goes about helping others. I imagine that this community of women has helped Meghan feel comforted and productive in her new home, too with their warm acceptance of her vision and interest.

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  44. This is FABULOUS. What a great cause and a perfect fit for HRH. I don't pay attention to any of the day to day rumors so I may have missed it but I am so surprised (and impressed) that none of this leaked.

    It's like the Royal equivalent of Beyonce dropping a surprise album with no forward press!

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    1. Isn't that the truth, Shannon. Everyone kept it to themselves and what a lovely surprise!

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  45. Wonderful, wonderful project! Buy the book everybody. We need to support initiatives like this. Simple yet brilliant.

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    1. Erika, you know what I liked the best about this? She wasn't going and telling people what to do. She took something that had developed organically within the Grenfell community and she used her own tools to help them take it further, when they wanted to take it further. The project was led by members within that community. So they have the least unforeseen consequences. I will be buying the book for sure.

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    2. Yes, I agree, Rosman. This was approached and executed in the most respectful and beneficial way. Basically, Meghan helped the community help themselves. What an incredible sense of pride these women must feel to see this cookbook chock full of their everyday cooking which is the fabric of their lives come to fruition. I just found my Christmas gift of the year. My friends and family will be getting one, and I can't wait to cook up a storm.

      Rosman, very nice to see you btw. I said hi to you over at Duchess Kate but I'll say hi here too.

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    3. It's nice to see you both here. You know I always like torturing you especially, Erika!

      But I agree with both of you. Simple, and flowed organically. Really a great project and it looks like it's beautifully executed too.

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    4. Nice to be back chatting with both you ladies ! It is remarkable how everyone responds to well thought out activities. There is no controversy or disagreement here - everyone is on the same page. Just goes to show that if someone does good work the focus is not on the clothes. Has anyone even noticed what she was wearing? No.

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    5. I know, bluhare, but you do it with love 😊

      Rosman, so true! I will be watching what she is wearing on the 20th, however. I can't help myself.

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  46. I am speechless, I knew something was coming but my goodness! This is a project initiative beautifully executed. I have always thought Meghan will be known for her work not the clothes she wears and I have a feeling we have got other great things coming! Well done Meghan and keep it moving!

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  47. Dang, now I'm crying. I love seeing people with power use it for good. ❤

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  48. OK, I'm so emotional after watching the first video (which she narrated) that I had to just scroll down & post. I still have tears in my eyes! This is beautiful & it really really touched my heart! I'm so glad she found a way, so naturally, to jump in & make a difference. She has touched the lives of these women, their families & now the cookbook will touch the lives of many more! xo

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  49. Wow this project!! I hope the Grenfell community is encouraged. The book was #3 and now #1 best seller on Amazon UK bookselling list -some told told me. Talk about using one's platform for good!
    Nicely done Duchess Meghan, nicely done!

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    1. Oops, I meant "someone told me".
      Anon19:03

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    2. It's the bestselling cookbook on Amazon right now I think too!

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  50. Thoughtful, smart, distinctive way to put herself out there in the charitable arena. I like the fact that she has made several visits and all under the radar....

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  51. @Breezy @ 18:29. I agree, very nice of KP to remove “negative comments”. My response to your post was not meant, in any way, to be negative. I agree with you that “negative comments” should NOT be given empowerment. Thanks Charlotte for a wonderful blog.

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    1. No worries Marcia, I understood you from the beginning. I enjoy reading your comments on this blog :)

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  52. Francesca (Germany)17 September 2018 at 19:51

    Wonderful that the muslim community opened a kitchen to these women at that time. What a great idea!
    This book must have some interesting recipes, flavourful but with few ingredients as one woman said. I would love to gift it to my mom because she likes trying recipes from cookbooks. But unfortunately her english isn't so great. So unless it will be translated, no chance here. I might buy it for myself though.

    A very nice surprise to see some of Meghans private work. And it fits so well to her former life!

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  53. Love this project and love that Meghan did her own voice-over work for the videos. She speaks so eloquently.

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  54. Reading all these comments reminds me how powerful inclusion can be. Meghan brings diversity to the Royal Family up close and personal. I love that the cookbook is being launched at Kensington Palace with a community meal. That blending of the old and the new is a great template for the younger Royals. I also love that this project speaks to who Meghan really is. This feels authentic and not exploitive or contrived. Well done Meghan. More of this please ��������

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  55. Well said, Anonymous @18:21.

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  56. Tammy from California17 September 2018 at 20:39

    I knew Meghan wrote this before even reading that she had. VERY well spoken! I LOVE that there is more action and fewer words by someone of a celebrity status. What a tremendous asset and force to be reckoned with! WATCH MEGHAN GO!

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  57. This is the powerful result of quietly working behind the scenes and being true to one's word. Meghan is such a capable woman. This project comes across as her idea and not something contrived by Kensinton Palace. Meghan is a force to be reckoned with. And her voice, both written and verbal, is strong and eloquent.

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  58. Already pre-ordered through Barnes& Nobles. Amazon in US does not have the book available right now.

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  59. That's how its done -what an impressive opening to Meghans work as a royal. I'm so gonna get the cookbook, I LOVE middleeastern food, the video was so beautifully made.

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  60. I don't comment a lot but wow, #1 in amazon UK, #1 in amazon Canada, #1 and already sold out in amazon US. Excellent!

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  61. I concur with everyone! And the timing means that after it is sold out, a second printing can be done in time for Christmas. It is a beautiful book, both visually and in meaning. The Thursday event should be so much fun! Lucky Harry.

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  62. I’ve ordered this cook book and can’t wait to read it and try some of the recipes!! The video that captured the creation of this cook book brought tears to my eyes, the kindness, laughter and compassion that these women have shown in the face of overwhelming tragedy is so inspiring.

    While Meghan narrated this video and was shown a few times she seems to be glad to take a back seat to the women shown in this video, I love seeing humility in this day and age when it’s in such short supply.

    Kudos to Meghan on her first solo project, it makes me very excited to see what the future holds for the Duchess and thank you to all the lovely women of the Hubb Community Kitchen you’ve given me faith in humanity again!

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    1. Beautifully said, Lauri. She's got big shoes to follow now, though!!! Her own!

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  63. So wonderful. The book will be released on September 25 in the United States. I went ahead and pre-ordered it. That helps push it to the top of the lists.

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  64. This is well done. In many ways. Not only will it support this specific kitchen, the sales of this book actually go to the Royal Foundation to distribute funds and in the event it is overwhelmingly successful, will be able to support other projects like this. This set up takes the business burden off the one small community. It is also a way to see how much revenue/interest the Duchess of Sussex can generate and from what parts of the world. The Americans will be interested in seeing what she's doing as will Suits fans, the Muslim community may show support, European communities and Commonwealth nations may pay attention, foodies and just royal fans in general. *I* won't be purchasing a copy. But I did request my library purchase it as part of our Purchase Suggestion program. It might create more exposure for the book and expand the community knowledge on cooking from other cultures.

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    1. That's a good idea Florida Moxie - request local library to purchase the book!

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  65. Just saw Doria supposedly laving on a plane to come to the UK. If true, wouldn't it be great if she were at the Thursday event?

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    1. I will predict she'll be there. Apparently, she's stable enough from almost exploding earlier to make the trip. :)

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    2. Haha, bluhare ;)

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  66. What a cool idea! I always think about the Grenfell community that suffered such grief & loss after that awful tragedy. They need support like this & what a great way to do it. Well done, Meghan, for showing the initiative to use her voice for such a worthy cause. These women & their families & community need all the help they can get.

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  67. What an outstanding effort on the part of the Duchess and all the women there! Win,win,win!!!The third win is getting the recipes as we adore Mideastern food...yum! I purchased a copy for myself and several for gifts.Can't wait for it to arrive. The photos are making me salivate for sure!

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  68. This is a beautiful thing. It's lovely to see her have an amplified voice to do the work that she's been passionate about since she was a young girl. I just pre-bought the book and can't wait until it ships... whenever that is.

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  69. wonderful book the duchess of Sussex has a voice to not verbal as well as written the royal family would be grateful to have her as a team

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  70. Wonderful. :) Probably a precious time for the Duchess to be able to exhale and roll up her sleeves and contribute.

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  71. I hope she will be there �� this cookbook is about love and community and what a way to strengthen that by having her mom with her ?❤️

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  72. Fantastic this is such a beautiful idea thanks Charlotte.

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  73. Sabine /Northern California18 September 2018 at 05:33

    What a wonderful project, bringing this community together to support and heal each other. I am quietly in awe at the impact the Cambridges and the Sussexes are making in so many areas. Meghan has added her beautifully hands-on, well thought out and loving style - she will make such a difference over the years.
    Cookbook is pre-ordered - I can't wait to receive it.
    Thank you , Charlotte, for always offering us the opportunity to participate and contribute. You, too, are creating a wonderful community through both blogs.

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  74. Hi. I have never commented, but read this blog faithfully. WOW, how inspiring. I to teared up when watching the video.
    I have now preordered the book to lend my support and sent my story on what cooking and community mean to me to the royal foundation.
    Thank you for this terrific post.
    Kerin

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  75. Silvia from Tuscany18 September 2018 at 06:25

    I will surely buy the book! The video made me cry. I'm so happy Meghan decided to support such a worthy cause. The first of a long series, I'm sure. Bravo to her and to all the proud, brave women who participates. All this is so inspiring!

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  76. I think what makes this truly special is that Megan feels first and foremost like any of us. We’re concerned about community and we’re concerned about the world. We want to help. Not as superiors looking down on those who need help, but just like fellow human beings. Not like privileged people, but like sensible and attentive people who care. Like others said before, I think the British royal family must feel lucky to have her. Honestly, I didn’t expect anything less from Harry, neither of them ‘married up’.

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  77. Love it! This such a beautiful way to support. I am especially happy that she has taken the time to really connect with the project and that it is to support people affected by something that has already happened some time ago. Many undoubtedly have already forgotten about the tragedy or have no idea how it still impacts the victims lives.
    C.

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  78. Good on her! No wonder Harry adores her- She's going out and doing exactly what his mum would have done were she still around. She's gone and found her niche directly. I hope the BRF is busting a gut with pride over this. and her Mum, too!

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  79. Marvellous!!!Well done Meghan!

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  80. Does anyone know if there is a possibility it will be published as an ebook as well?

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  81. hello here, I do not comment much but I still read this fabulous blog. What a pleasure to see this project yesterday I have tears on the one hand because of these women who support each other smile despite this ordeal they have me so much touched by two I'm impressed by Meghan this work that she did outside cameras this heat that she releases I'm so proud of her. What's great is that she manages to rally to her people people's cause from all horizons I am so eager to be on Thursday to see this event. Of course I'm going to buy this book for myself and maybe give it to my brother who loves to cook for Christmas.

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)