Meghan Marks Her 40th Birthday with 40X40 Initiative Launch

Happy 40th Birthday, Meghan! To celebrate the milestone, the Duchess of Sussex has launched the 40x40 initiative -- asking 40 inspiring figures to donate 40 minutes of their time to support women re-entering the workforce following an unprecedented year. In a special piece published on Archewell, Meghan wrote: "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." The Duchess continued: "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?"

The Duchess has been particularly struck by the impact the pandemic has had on women, with tens of millions leaving the workforce, including two million in the US. Meghan noted so many of these women are "shouldering the brunt of the crisis", from unpaid labour to caring for loved ones. Research has already found fewer women than men will re-enter employment as we recover globally. "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 kick off 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."

To mark the launch, Meghan was joined by the one and only Melissa McCarthy for a very special chat.

For her 40th birthday, Meghan #DuchessofSussex is launching 40x40, a global effort encouraging people to commit 40 minutes of their time to mentor & support women going back to work. The Duchess asked 40 people including @melissamccarthy Adele Gloria Steinem to take part pic.twitter.com/ehKa4WvUUB

— Carolyn Durand (@CarolynDurand) August 4, 2021

People writes:

'In the video, the Duchess and McCarthy share a playful chat, with McCarthy at one point holding up an illustration of the two women with the label "Besties Forever," suggesting that they get matching tattoos. "You know, I already have something really similar across my back," Meghan jokes. "Are we twinsies?" Melissa replies. "You know, maybe we save it for when I turn 50," Meghan answers.

At one point Melissa — wearing an over-the-top hat, pearls and gloves for a "tea time" look — asks if Meghan will "finally do a Suits reunion" for her 40th birthday, to which Meghan replies, "I love Suits, but why would I do a Suits reunion for my birthday?"

Meghan tells Melissa, "Because I'm turning 40, I'm asking 40 friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor a woman who's mobilizing back into the workforce." Melissa replies she's in "40 times 40" :)

You may notice a certain prince juggling in the background :)

Meghan is asking you, if you can, to pledge 40 minutes of your time today in service of others "in the way that feels right to you". The Duchess concluded, "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." Click here to learn more about how you can participate.

A selection of mentors Meghan has asked to join the effort includes Amanda Gorman, Adele, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Stella McCartney, José Andrés, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Nadine Burke Harris, Gloria Steinem, Bryony Gordon and Katie Couric.

Princess Eugenie is participating "to celebrate dear Meghan's birthday".

Hilary Clinton also joined and shared her support with the following message: 

Meghan's patronage Smart Works, whose mission is to empower women re-entering the workforce, shared their excitement about joining the initiative.

Indeed, Meghan organised this during her maternity leave. You'll recall she spearheaded the Smart Set in support of the charity when she was on maternity leave following Archie's arrival.

Smart Works is one of three organisations involved. More from Harper's Bazaar:

'One of Meghan’s first patronages, the British-based charity Smart Works, has joined three other organizations to partner with the #40x40 initiative. “The Duchess of Sussex has personally dedicated many hours to supporting and mentoring Smart Works’ clients ahead of their job interviews," the charity, which coaches unemployed women ahead of job interviews, tweeted. “We look forward to playing a small part in bringing this initiative to life for the women we exist to help." The YWCA, a charity dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting justice, and volunteer action center LA Works have also joined as partners.'

The Duchess' desk is filled with copies of The Bench and family photos.

I believe the image in the middle may be Harry and Lili whilst the one on the right is Meghan and Archie.

The UFO No More team suggest Meghan's peacock cup is a Burleigh piece. The cup and saucer set is available on the Burleigh website. The white paper tray appears to be from Target, and the eagle-eyed ladies noted the baby blanket is an Hermés piece.

Meghan opted for a soft up-do and white and cream neutrals styled with her much-loved Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in cognac suede.

The Duchess accessorised with Zodiac necklaces featuring Archie and Lili's signs Taurus and Gemini. What Meghan Wore suggests the pieces are by LA-based brand Logan Hollowell.

And Diana's Cartier watch. 

Indeed, Meghan's 40th birthday has seen another charitable effort supporting women take flight. Led by the Sussex Squad, supporters of the Duchess have raised $50,000 to support 1,000 girls return to full-time education by donating supplies of sanitary products. It will make a staggering difference to girls and their futures. Meghan travelled to Delhi with World Vision to meet girls and women directly impacted by the stigmatization of menstrual health and to learn how it hinders girls’ education. In an essay penned for Time she discussed the stigma surrounding menstruation in countries like India and Iran. "During my time in the field, many girls shared that they feel embarrassed to go to school during their periods, ill equipped with rags instead of pads, unable to participate in sports, and without bathrooms available to care for themselves, they often opt to drop out of school entirely...this is a shame-filled reality they quietly endure." If you would like to donate, please click here. $50 supports a girl for an entire year.

Sending Meghan the happiest of birthday wishes! I have no doubt it's going to be a wonderful day with Harry, Archie, Lili and Doria. Harper's Bazaar reports the Duchess will spend the day "privately".