At the time, a spokesperson for the couple said they chose Baby2Baby because "as a native of Los Angeles, the Duchess of Sussex wanted to include a locally-based charity from her hometown that helps children and parents in need". In the last seven years, they distributed over 50 million items to children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and under-served schools, as well as children across the country who have lost everything in the wake of disasters.
It's been a busy week for the couple. On Monday, the Duke and Duchess praised the Queen's Commonwealth legacy and heard from inspirational young leaders during a Queen's Commonwealth Trust conversation. Yesterday, the Duchess spoke powerfully on the importance of women voting during a couch party arranged by an organisation Michelle Obama co-chairs - When We All Vote. The Duchess addressed the virtual audience: "If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem. If you aren't going out there and voting then you're complicit." Meghan discussed voter suppression and barriers women still face, saying, "This fight is worth fighting." She described voting as "not only being part of the solution, but part of a legacy" (the post covering both events is here). Now Harry, Meghan and Archie have settled in Santa Barbara they are eager to volunteer on the ground whilst supporting organisations and patronages. They are privately working on their non-profit Archewell behind-the-scenes.
The charity shared news of the exciting visit this morning: "Baby2Baby was proud to host a drive-through distribution at Knox Elementary in South LA as students across the country return to distance learning this week. Thank you to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for joining our team to help us distribute school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, food and more to children who need these basic essentials more than ever during this unprecedented back to school season."
Victoria Murphy reports:
'A source said that, despite the heat “everyone was in great spirits. The kids were eager to receive their books and supplies and Meghan and Harry did what they do best—engage and connect with the crowd.”
The source continued that the couple was “determined to serve every last child waiting in a line that wrapped around the school” and they “chatted with the families about the upcoming school year and wished all of the kids good luck".'
Baby2Baby Co-Presidents Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof shared the following statement: "We are so grateful to be onsite during the most unique back-to-school week in history distributing school supplies, backpacks, hygiene, clothing and food directly to children and families who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and are struggling to afford the basic necessities they rely on school to provide. We are committed to supporting the students from our partners at LAUSD and around the country throughout distance learning as well as when they are back in the classroom."
Let's take a look at Baby2Baby's significant impact.
The lovely selection of photos were taken by LA-based Christian Monterrosa for the Duke and Duchess and Baby2Baby. It looked like a fantastic day!
Due to the pandemic, Baby2Baby need support more than ever, especially as the need for back-to-school supplies is particularly high at the moment. If you would like to donate please click here.
The Duchess opted for a causal look with a semi-sheer white shirt and khaki green shorts. Meghan's shirt is the Victoria Beckham Oversized Classic White Shirt (with many thanks to Meghan's Fashion).
Most notably, Meghan's $15 blue stripe facemask is by Royal Jelly Harlem, a Black female-founded company.
The brand was founded in 2011 by mother-daughter duo Teta and Maya Gorgoni. After many trips to West and South Africa, they were inspired by the artistry of the printed fabrics. These fabrics inspired an exciting new line of fashion and home décor that would become Royal Jelly Harlem. The brand "calls attention to the diversity of the African continent and its culture, traditions and art". A number of their manufacturers are African-born dressmakers and tailors who produce their products in the USA.
The Duchess wore her Adidas Stan Smith sneakers. They are on sale for $64 at Asos.
Meghan accessorised with her Cartier Love Bracelet.
And Monica Vinader Linear Chain Bracelet.
Wishing you all a great weekend! :)
I'm loving all of this. Supporting vulnerable children during this very surreal and difficult back to school season and supporting black owned businesses in this time of racial injustice reckoning in our country. This is why they're my favorite princess and prince and why I'm so so very happy they came to live in my homestate. We're so happy to have them!
ReplyDeleteLove that they participated during the entire event! I think Meghan is more used to helping than to just lending a name, so she probably enjoys the ability to stay during the entire event. Sure Harry feels the same way. Just lending a name can be really useful but in this case actual hands-on help was more valuable. She looks very cute and toned, but she kinda shoots down any pregnancy theories. I have been looking for some new masks so I ordered a few. So nice to see them out and about!
ReplyDeleteAllison, do you think she has shot down pregnancy theories? It may be wishful thinking on my part but I think we may be in for a surprise announcement in a month or two. Her shorts are very accommodating as is the oversize shirt allowing for both comfort and disguise. Fingers crossed.
DeleteUSA Granny, you are of course right. We saw her in her green leather skirt and only some thought she might be pregnant (I had no clue!). I also thought that there is no reason they could not adopt some children, maybe biracial. Archie is obviously not going to grow up running with his royal cousins and children of Harry's school friends, those existing and those to come, so that would eliminate possible problems in that area. If they adopted, time would not be their enemy.
DeleteYep! Allison so true.... so much for my/our hunch...ooops! lol :) I'm really struck by the realization that Harry is living the life that Diana had hoped to..... it's pretty poignant. So happy for them. :)
DeleteBecca USA
To Philly
DeleteThanks for the Biblical reference. Perfect!
I appreciate how you take the time to put things in perspective. While M and H engage with and support real people, the haters gonna hate. Thinking of that song lyric reminds me that Taylor gave $30k to help a Portuguese girl realize her dream of studying to become a mathematician, in the UK. There is still light on this planet!
Renee
Meghan and Harry brought their own photographer.
ReplyDeleteThey are right. They manage now their communication. No stress of Rota
DeleteBetter one they’re comfortable with vs and entire press corp.
DeleteGreat publicity for the charity!
DeleteI noted that as well. How refreshing it must be for them to be able to set those boundaries and take more control of the narrative. Though the disgruntled lot back in the UK are still banging on and on with the same old abuse. I notice they're not out there, hands on, doing good in the world. Nope. Just more vitriol, falsehoods and quotes out of context for click bait. You'd think the would bore themselves and give it up already.
DeletePhilly, luv your line: “You’d think they’d bore themselves and give it up already.” Haha!
DeleteLove this Meghan & Harry volunteer event.
They are so awesome. And it’s been super hot in LA.
Renee
I think people are missing the point of the comment. The thing is- when they bring their own photographer the pictures from the event are in their possession. And they charge money for it. I feel that is fine for red carpet glam shots. But for charity work I think all official photos shot be owned by the charity so they are free to use them however they need them. But, I assume the charity chooses if they let you cover their event with your (additional) own photographer. In the end the charity organised it. So nothing to see here I guess.
DeleteAnother thing that irks me in general is when celebrities and charities use minors in such photos. I get why but I hope that they have a written permission from their parents. I grew up in a society where those personal rights (right of your own data, right of your own image) is highly valued.
Apart from that: great cause. It seems they found a way to get back into things.
C.
Anonymous 00:22 Thank you. They are among many people who must carry on with boring careers and activities because it is their bread and butter. Thankfully, there are now fewer ways for them to exploit M&H, but they're not going to give it up. They're being amply rewarded for their click-baity small mindedness.
DeleteIsn't it telling that we don't see them or the coterie of haters they court engaged in worthy global efforts to bring more kindness, more solutions for real problems, more ways to uplift people, more success and greater influence for good?
I'm reminded of the Biblical notion that false prophets are recognized by their fruits. A fitting metaphor for our times.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A15-20&version=NKJV
C., I don't think we really know the particulars of the photography arrangement. Obviously the charity would OK the taking of photographs -- participants were probably asked if a photo was OK, perhaps casually or perhaps through a handout. I see on TV every night now children getting free school supplies in the US. Charging money -- do we know if the money goes beyond the photographer's fee? We really don't know any details.
DeleteC
DeleteWhat about the whole bunch of the royal family who use children as backdrop all the time?! No concern there so far whatsoever.
C., I really agree with you there! It's not just that people who love the monarchy get to see the children from birth. People around the world, some who hate the monarchy, see the children. I personally would not want to be "seen" as a child. Diana tried to keep photographers away and that didn't work out. Unfortunately, by showing the children often, including participating now in events, Kate's children become less "rare" and people can see that they are just "regular" children! That may be helpful to them when they grow up, I agree that ideally children should have their privacy until they are capable of giving consent.
Delete@Anonymous 13:41
DeleteIndeed I have the same concerns for all Royals (you know there is more to the royal world then the UK), Celebrities, Influencers and what not. I think this was pretty clear from my comment? I am perfectly capable to criticise all of of them for a behavior I condemn. And I have commented about that on several posts and blogs in the past.
C.
How do we know that? Photographers would offer there services to charities for free because they can sell them to mainstream media.
DeleteC, well the charity is baby2baby the majority of the world love sharing pictures of their darlings M&H don't own the charity and parents WANT these pictures. Now we're criticizing M&H and according to you by extension everyone else for children's pictures in a children's charity. I can't.
DeleteI agree with your comment. All actions of Meghan & Harry become's drama. Sussex 's couple is the best defenders to many charitable Societey
DeleteIt 's unfortunate..that they are attacked every time.
This is such a wonderful volunteer effort on the part of Harry and Meghan. We in the USA are at this time so very vulnerable as parents in making the important decision to send their children to school physically, virtually or in a hybrid accommodation when offered. No one decision is 100% when considering the safety as well as the educational and very important social aspect of education for children. Supplies are not readily available in some lesser communities and the work of organizations that provide for children gives parents a real leg up as they make decisions come deadlines and opening days of the school year. I would also like to comment on Meghan addressing the "get out and vote" speaking specifically to women/girls. I thought her words were on target in a very non partisan manner. I give her great credit for that as she offered much food for thought. It is wonderful to hear her voice once again expanding on the true realities of life which she has a real gift for sharing when she attaches her name to personal interests. Her attire was spot on and absolutely the norm for summer days in the USA. I often laugh when people outside of the country write of very warm days as an excuse to be casual in dress. Most likely it was just one more typical summer day. Our summer season is hot which on any given day we may complain about but at the same time love and wouldn't have it any other way as we are truly lucky to actually experience the four seasons.
ReplyDeletegreat to see
ReplyDeleteToo funny! I love that the amazing interest of the even if critical beyond devastating press is reporting about the speeches and activities... and with the enormous media interest M&H generate a worldwide reach and thousands of articles. I imagine lots of folks like me get inspired to dig deeper to learn more and even support and donate - I did with the 19news which I had never heard of. The PR effect for projects is enormous and invaluable! If they find the right balance to support charities and earning their living - what a future!
ReplyDeleteIn addition I love learning that the helped sort of all day. The royal visits schedules with in an out in 1,5 h max always sounded ridiculous to me ... while I understand with hundreds of engagements like the Queen and others it is not possible differently. Here prep work, learning about the people and causes you visit takes as well a lot time ... M&H I wish you an amazing, satisfying life in Montecito and once in a while in the UK ... to that point of the critical press writing the skip Sandringham and seeing the Queen and family .... as if they could do under Corona!!! Haha
Me too .good luck Harry and Meghan, the best and charismatic couple. God bless you
DeleteMeghan has large fanbases in Canada, Australia, India, Brazil, France, and of course the US. They are the headwinds the British tabloids face with their alternate reality that has many contradictions.
DeleteI agree . The tabloïds attack Meghan all the time but she is appreciate in the word.This is an award that is well deserved
DeleteThanks for all the stellar reporting you do on the Sussexes, Charlotte!
ReplyDeletegreat job with the blog as always! you've been keeping me up-to-date for years now.
ReplyDeletewow they are doing a great job despite giving back hmm they are inspiring to give back
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a day very well spent on the part of the Sussexes. Kudos to them for their help and for generating more publicity for the charity.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for keeping us informed of Meghan and Harry's contributions to a better, more just world. Thanks for the research you do and the info you provide about the groups they work with.
ReplyDeleteR
If Omid Scobie has not been talking directly to Meghan and/or Harry, he should not be commenting on what they are feeling or thinking. Without their confirmation it is just rumour mongering and we shouldn't be encouraging it. The new book is mainly based on these rumours and speculation. Harry has already slapped Omid down for putting false words in his mouth about the so-called tiara incident and making it look as if Harry and the Queen are angry with each other. Yet we are still hearing interviews with the journalist in which he describes conversations which have purportedly taken place in private between members of the British royal family! I am increasingly sceptical about this whole sorry saga. It is only making it more difficult for any kind of reconcilliation within the family.
ReplyDeleteBased on that standard, you should be condemning all the royal books, tabloids articles, and “insider” gossips because they aren’t based on facts and actual interviews with the royal subjects. Much of the comments are pure speculation and people pretending they are the royals and can speak as if they are them.
Delete@Annette New Zealand -
DeleteJust wondering- Has Harry responded to Omid directly about anything being written about? Not sure what broadcast or interview you are referring to regarding the tiara story which simply seems to have the longest legs ever!
Ditto! Practically every journalist and/or tabloid claims to have "reliable sources" ANYONE can claim that to write an article or book. How could anyone know about private conversations that happen behind closed doors? Even if the authors do have their sources, it is still gossip due to H&M did not endorse or agree to be interviewed for the book. How would they know these sources are telling the absolute 100% truth? Also, supposedly the book covers intimate details regarding when H&M were first intimate, ect - is that really necessary/relevant? Who cares! This book came out way too soon so it looks like the authors wanted to beat everyone else to the punch and cash in.
DeleteIt is his opinion from talking to others that know Harry and Meghan. That is what he meant that he never interviewed Harry and Meghan, so when the interview asked him questions he gave his opinions.
DeleteI read last week that Harry had issued a statement that he has never shouted or used strong language to his grandmother as he respects her and that the story about the tiara is not factual. But maybe this report is also not a fact and we shouldn't take anything as gospel? In any case it emphasises my point that all this speculation is dangerous gossip and we should all step back and take a deep breath.
DeleteI am waiting to see if my local library files it under "fiction" or "nonfiction." Ha!
DeleteTruer words could not be spoken Annette NZ! We don't know, and we will never know the entire truth, what is between two people should stay between them and not all is for us to know or be privy too. It is sad however, that so much money can be made on 'opinions' and 'sources' and that our thirst for this 'information' is so great.
DeleteAt the time, a spokesperson for the couple said they chose Baby to Baby because "as a native of Los Angeles, the Duchess of Sussex wanted to include a locally-based charity from her hometown that helps children and parents in need". Admin/ this blog
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
what makes your blog outstanding from the news “media”, the tabloids and fellow trolls, is how you interrelate past / present, make a reference, connect the dots, and there have your readers get a better perspective of the whole picture.
The couple chose this charity before they left their senior royal role. It makes a lot of sense they happen to be in LA now and take a part. One thing is certain that their name recognition makes a difference in putting a spotlight in the various roles they participate. Like you mentioned, their own foundation is in the works. So far and in this very participation, their activities sum up reminding me of the music played as they exited the chapel after their wedding – “This little light of mine, let it shine.”. They had been putting some light on Covid-19, BLM. Girls up, Voting, QCT, Invictus spirit, and now Baby to Baby. They look lovely in casual attire, and in action. I wish them health, happiness, a positive success, and lifetime of marriage. I don't think UK and BRF should be upset with them after all. They had been doing what they can under the circumstances.
Anon15, you summed up everything for me!
DeleteThank you Kiwi Gal. It is good to know we share similar outlook on this.
DeleteIt is a bit disjointed to see them handing out donations to persons driving by in late model cars and Utes or any car at all. I do wonder if the word for out that celebrities and cameras were there.
ReplyDeleteWe need to reach the families with babies who have no car or access to the internet to appeal for help. The ones you won't see at an event such as this. It is something I worry about, as well as those families with school age children without internet access where there are online classes only.