The flowers hold a special significance for Harry and we've seen their importance incorporated both in special days and a very important organisation close to his heart. In 2006, he joined Prince Seesio of Lesotho in creating Sentebale, a charity dedicated to honouring their mothers' legacies in supporting those affected by HIV and AIDS. The name, of course, means 'Forget Me Not'. It comes following news a statue of the late Diana will be unveiled in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace on 1 July, her 60th birthday. I think it likely we'll see the Sussexes in the UK for a period around that time after the Invictus Games which will take place from 29 May - 5 June in the Netherlands.
Indeed, on the day before their wedding, Prince Harry handpicked Forget-Me-Nots from Kensington Palace for Meghan's bridal bouquet in memory of his mother.
The Assistance League of Los Angeles said: "The children of our Preschool Learning Center got a wonderful surprise when The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited yesterday! In addition to helping the children replant the Preschool Learning Center's garden, they spent time with them, sharing their appreciation for nature and helping to instill the importance of healthy eating. We truly appreciate their time and care for our students." During the visit Harry and Meghan enjoyed reading Jack and the Beanstalk to the children which reportedly "elicited lots of laughter".
More from Harper's Bazaar:
'The Duke and Duchess also planted a mix of petunias, California wildflowers, tomatoes, squash, sweet peas, and more. After a morning of gardening with the kids (who were also singing and dancing while getting their hands dirty), the couple read the students a few books about gardening, vegetables, and planting, including the children's classic Jack and the Beanstalk.'
The centre is located within close proximity to Meghan's childhood schools. For over a century, the Assistance League has been supporting children and helping them to avail of quality pre-school opportunities.
Omid Scobie reports:
"Everyone got their hands dirty digging holes for the new pants and seeds and making sure they were secure with enough soil," says a source. "The kids especially were excited to water the new garden with elephant shaped watering cans."
The origins of the organisation date back to 1906 when relief was raised following the devastation caused by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Subsequent generations have added their own vision and overseen growth to help the most vulnerable in society.
More from the Assistance League:
'Studies have shown that children who attend preschool outperform their peers academically and are more likely to go to college. Assistance League® of Los Angeles’ preschool operates under California Department of Education and instills academic and social skills in children and fosters their social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical development.
Since the 1920s, the Preschool Auxiliary has operated this program through a combination of fundraising and professional support. As a result, our pre-k services are able to be provided free of charge to children from low-income families ages three to five years old. Assistance League of Los Angeles Preschool Learning Center is funded in part by the California Dept. of Education and Child & Adult Food Program. The Preschool Learning Center serves families without regard to sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, or physical handicap.'
Their projects include scholarship programmes, theatre for children, a foster children's resource centre and a children's club providing clothing and supplies to parents. If you would like to donate or find out more about their work please click here.
The Duchess was casually attired in double denim for the visit.
The Duchess accessorised with her Cartier Love bracelet.
And her $145 Rothy's Black Solid Flats. The sustainable brand is on a mission to create stylish footwear with as little waste and impact to the environment as possible. Meghan debuted the pair during the 2018 Oceania tour.
Finally, to mark the Rugby League's 125th Anniversary, Harry hosted a virtual chat with players and volunteers. He discussed life in the US, how he and Meghan's main priorities are their "little man", their work and touched on his hopes to return to the UK for visits.
It's wonderful to see him looking so happy.
🥳👏 After yesterday's amazing 'set of six' with his special guests, today, we see the roles reversed, as The Duke of Sussex is quizzed by Ellery Hanley MBE in 'Extra Time'!— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 30, 2020
🎂 #HappyBirthdayRugbyLeague #RFL125 pic.twitter.com/sZleOXtDHW
It's wonderful to see him looking so happy.
What a beautiful way to honor Diana's legacy!! I hope we see Harry and Meghan at many more events for this organization in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis is sweet. Princess Diana is greatly missed, I can only imagine how hard that last day of August is for her sons. This is a great way to honor her memory, planting her favorite flowers surrounded by children's laughter. I hope this as well as spending the day with his own child and wife made this anniversary a little more bearable for Prince Harry.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully said - thank you!
DeleteOh this is a beautiful tribute of Diana, and real gesture of love from Meghan to her husband, and Harry to his mother .
ReplyDeleteThat is soo sweet .May God continue to bless, protect and guide Harry, Meghan and their little man Archie.
Yes. It was a great way to honor The legacy of Diana..It's great to see them connect with the comnunity.!
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for commments.
What I love is how those two really participate -- they start a project and finish it, while getting dirty. Their goal is truly to get the plants/seeds in the ground, and to allow the children to help. Apropos of not much, I think they are going to spend a few years with Archie and then adopt maybe two children.
ReplyDeleteOh, Allison, I like that idea!
DeleteThis was a sweet event and remembrance. -op
Those kids and their elephant watering cans are too adorable! Every one is so focused on gardening! The best is how Meghan and Harry literally get their hands dirty for meaningful causes. Yes, Harry honors his mother, again. Well done.
ReplyDeleteRenee
What a marvellous way to remember the late Princess with Forget me nots. It is hard to reconcile that it has been 23 years, where has the time gone. It is always great to see little ones being encouraged to potter in a garden and this is no different. This is a marvellous organisation providing support to children from low income families. Its great that the Duke and Duchess were able to join in the spirit of the day, the children I am sure would have been delighted.
ReplyDeleteWow, I never thought about them adopting before this. I could totally see it happening though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great Ministry and impactful commémoration to our Princess Diana.
ReplyDeleteMay Princess Diana gentle Soul rest in peace. Now that your son " Prince Harry "and his beautiful Family are caryng on your Wonderful legacy.
ReplyDeleteThey know how To plant encouragement and confident for the future !
ReplyDeleteDoing what they do best. A hart working couple and planting Forget me nots in memory of his dear Mother. God bless them.
ReplyDeleteA garden grows forward to honor someone who passed. My gardens have always included special plants or flowers to honor my family and friends. I remember their interview when they announced their engagement and Meghan said “oh, she’s here”, referring to Diana. yes, she is in everything they do
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteChar!otte, is there a link anywhere to Harry's cooments? The piece above doesnt include him.I've rescheduling without success. I'd love to see him looking happy as you noted.
Thank you so much for letting me know BeanieG. I embedded the wrong video, I've just replaced it with the correct one, thank you again :)
DeleteAh! Thank you, Charlotte! Yes 👍, wonderful to see Harry's enthusiasm in his situation and yet still be thinking of others.
DeleteGlad you could read my request...apparently I'd best not use such a tiny device again...the message seemed fine when I sent it (ageing eyes!!!). 😬
I enjoyed seeing them planting flowers in memory of Harry's mother and also seeing Harry's comments on the video. Thank you for researching this charity, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of the event, although I seriously doubt the children had any idea who their visitors were! I'm a bit surprised they were allowed to have this function and bring a photographer with California having such strict Covid restrictions. Has anyone seen any commentary on that aspect of this visit?
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteYou probably already know this, but I just got an alert from one of my Film Industry Trades, that Meghan & Harry just inked a contract with Netflix for a substantial amount & variety of projects, with numerous ones already in development. Just fyi.
Cheers,
Becca USA
Thank you Becca :)
DeleteThat is really exciting -- I bet they are just so happy!
DeleteI don't know if anyone else feels this, but I remember Diana mentioning that she not only would love to eventually live in the U.S., but to live between NYC & LA in particular. I can totally imagine her having a home in the same area Harry & Meghan are living in & how cool would that have been!? In many ways I feel like Harry is her "Spirit Animal" & is living out all the dreams that she had for herself! I feel they are very linked! xoxo
ReplyDeleteBecca USA
That's a great way to say it, Becca!
DeleteTheir new house and grounds look idylic but I'm afraid the fire risks and the record heat
Deletein California this year would put me off living there. I just couldn't cope especially if there were power cuts! Archie may have to stay indoors.
Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteHarry & Meghan Mega Netflix Deal for documentaries and More content that gives that.
Could someone in the industry explain how these deals work. Does Netflix fund the productions who writes the scripts etcetcetc. I am confused as neither Meghan nor Harry have experience in film production , script writing, camera work and neither have ever managed multimillion dollar business. Are they going to be the face of the productions and Netflix take care of the rest?
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that industry very tough and ruthless and not the place for inexperience and naievty. I just hope it does not end up destroying them as it has destroyed so many before them. It seems a very scary move.
Typically, producers and those backing projects with money hire experienced script writers, directors, etc, and may or may not work closely with them. Remember, Meghan does know some of the ins and outs of the television world, given her seven years on Suits, and she has writing experience, as well. Given all of that, I imagine they will be involved in the process, but still have a team of writers and directors, etc. It will definitely not just be Harry and Meghan.
DeleteI agree with your comment.
Deletewell i love that they honoring their mother by doing just like that princess diana was adored and love by milliions of people around the word
ReplyDeleteI hope they will be able to create the life they want, but negative press is already hitting on them. The Mirror found parents that were unhappy because they weren’t allowed to go to the school but Megan & Harry were. Just stop, they are trying to create positivity in the world and here, please let them be.
ReplyDeleteSo the parents of the kids at the school don’t have a right to be upset about strangers coming into a school for planting flowers and taking photos when they can’t go in themselves? I understand wanting to honor a parent who has passed, but we also have to understand where these parents are coming from.
DeleteExactly. The people criticize always.
ReplyDeleteThe visit of H & M will allow, a international visibility for this institution.