To mark International Women's Day yesterday, the Duchess of Sussex was in Los Angeles with Archewell team members "as an advocate for women’s rights and supporter of mothers and families in need". They visited the charity Harvest Home where they created a pop-up baby boutique, hosted lunch and made a donation.
On their website, Archewell, the following message was shared: "This valuable organization helps provide housing, mental well-being support, and classes to expectant mothers who have faced tremendous challenges including domestic violence, substance use and homelessness. Since being founded in 1985, Harvest Home has supported over 600 pregnant women and their children."
The statement added: "Happy International Women’s day to all of you! Whether donating your time, funds, or helping a woman in your community, let’s all celebrate the women in our lives today and every day!"
To mark Mother's Day 2021, Archewell announced a collaboration with Proctor & Gamble to fulfil the charity's online wish list, including diapers for a year and cleaning supplies to stock the organisation's first facility. The gift arrived with a personal letter from Meghan who was expecting Lilibet at the time. "As a mom, and an expectant mom, I deeply appreciate the significance of community support, safe and accessible pregnancy resources, and trusted guidance in a nurturing setting. These ingredients are essential to not just our physical health, but our mental well-being, and I commend you for leading a compassionate community that lives these values."
Harvest Home shared the positive impact of Meghan's donation on Instagram:
"With joy and gratitude, we thank Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and the Archewell team for spending International Women’s Day with us. Thanks to their generous donation, we were able to build, stock and organize our "Baby Boutique” at the Pico Home, and it’s ready for business! As residents work toward their goals of personal well-being and financial independence, they now have access to resources including clothing and baby gear. We are deeply grateful to The Duchess and The Archewell Foundation for their ongoing support."
Afterwards, Meghan took the Archewell team for lunch at popular vegan Mexican eatery Gracias Madre in West Hollywood.
The group enjoyed traditional Mexican cuisine made from scratch with locally sourced, organic ingredients. Gracias Madre supports independent producers and uses small batch distillers for their bar.
'A fellow diner tells PEOPLE that Meghan sat in the middle of a table in the back of the restaurant for the late lunch. The group appeared in good spirits as they chatted and laughed. The Duchess of Sussex wore an all-black ensemble and white flats with her hair swept back in a bun and ordered the chopped salad.
"She seemed really happy and was laughing a lot," another diner visiting California from Lansing, Michigan, tells PEOPLE. "I still can't believe it was her. She's even prettier in real life."'
People reports the group enjoyed a box of vegan cupcakes from Sprinkles for dessert. Meghan was reportedly overheard saying, "These are from my husband. He was asking for everyone."
Harry, meanwhile, was in San Francisco for the BetterUp's Uplift Summit. During the conversation Harry shared what drives him: "For me, personally, I get so much out of helping other people. To be in the service of others is what drives me, what gets me out of bed every day. Then you have kids." With International Women's Day in mind, Harry praised the "strong, confident women" in his life.
Meghan was effortlessly chic in a tailored black look and statement accessories.
Another view.
Meghan sported Max Mara's Lilia coat for the day. The cashmere coat is described as: "Expertly crafted from the finest cashmere, this flattering silhouette is cut to a relaxed fit with long kimono sleeves and large pockets which cinched in with a belted waist." The piece is available in limited sizing at My Theresa and Matches Fashion.
Accessories included Meghan's favourite Cartier staples: Princess Diana's Cartier Tank watch.
Diana's tennis bracelet.
And Meghan's Love bracelet.
Finally, yesterday we discussed Archie and Lilibet's titles. Buckingham Palace has updated the official website to reflect the children's status. A spokesperson for Archewell says: "The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace." According to several reports, private conversations took place some time ago with the King.
What an uplifting post, including Mexican food!! What a wonderful outing at Harvest Home; an event like that would make one a little giddy afterward. Doing good things for others just makes you feel so good. Meghan looked great; the coat is gorgeous and I love the other colors! The bag; is it just a fantasy to hope she got it free or really reduced? I'm way too cheap to ever look chic. Her earrings look from afar akin to Kate's vintage round earrings.
ReplyDeleteDear Charlotte, thank you for 2 delightful posts about Harry & Meghan, their family, work and friends. Wonderful as always to read this blog!
ReplyDeleteRenee
Her bag is delish! Harry and Meghan seem happy. Love the concepts Meghan comes up with like this pop up baby boutique. She looks for a solution abd not just turning up and shaking hands.
ReplyDeleteWhat an elegant post! Is it me following in an elegant mood or is it?!!! Because I find everything elegant in this post: the article as usual, the class, the sympathy and the charm of Meghan, this bag of Meghan (even at 100 years old, I will have this bag! I like it a lot).
ReplyDeleteFinishing the job and going to have a bite to eat with the Boss is something much appreciated by the employees.
Elegant post Charlotte.
Ps: For the coronation, although I personally wish the Sussexes hadn't gone to avoid further gratuitous and inappropriate polemics built by certain tabloids associated with these X people from the office of Buckimgham to demonize the Sussexes, I am ready to bet that the Sussexes will go there because the consequences of an absence of Harry with or without Meghan will be catastrophic for the future as much for Charles as for the Sussexes even if the reasons for their absence are well justified.
This time, if the Sussexes go to this ceremony, I pray that their service will analyze everything in this trip and ensure that everything is done so that the trip of the Sussexes takes place without pressure and low blows from whoever we know. For the British people, staying there more than half the year, I can say that the British are suffering from Harry's departure but will be very happy to see him back in the country because many prefer a Harry with his family far away but happy that a Harry at home and unhappy.
The report of the facts by certain tabloids violently aims not to retransmit the reality of the facts motivated by interests that we do not ignore.
Just curious - why do you think Harry or MM's absence at the coronation would be catastrophic?
DeleteFor a king like Charles, even if not very popular, but with his notoriety and the notorious dimension of this coronation, you think that for him, like his son, it will pass as a commonplace fact this day and the rest of the days of their lives, that one of his sons was not present at such an important moment? Already that even the absence of a brother would be badly perceived then that of a son! Especially since there are only 2!
DeleteAs a reason this is already clear enough not to list all the other disastrous consequences if Charles does not arrive as head of the family and head of a kingdom to be resolved dearly...
What makes you think Charles is not popular? If I may ask, are you British?
DeleteI don't think the coronation has a "notorious dimension," and Charles has been well-accepted as king by the public -- rather more so than I was expecting. It would not be "catastrophic" if the Sussexes chose not to attend, not for Charles. The decision would be blamed on them, not him, since it is well-known that an invitation has been issued to them.
DeleteThat said, I think they should attend for a variety of reasons. For one thing, if there's any chance of genuine reconciliation, the Sussexes need to be present. This is perhaps the most important event of Charles's life, and it's important that the couple communicate their appreciation for its significance -- and for having been invited to share in it. The invitation was an olive branch. They should extend one in return.
You will take the trouble to read Cat soon Cat: it is not written that Charles is not popular but not very popular given the polls (he is accepted as Vittoria says, but his popularity compared to other members is low). Being half British and living there for a long time of the year, I can say that the British have not forgotten the past (forget Diana and find many faults in young Charles and old Charles without however hating it).
DeleteGood evening Vittoria, if I was a medium and I was reassured that their coming to this event would not yet be used to cause them harm as very often I would be 100% OK for them to go.
DeleteHowever, it is a very embarrassing situation and that is why I still speak of catastrophic on a relational and media level an absence of Harry which will be the detail that everyone will remember from this coronation which will have guests from all over the world and which will be broadcast everywhere. It does not matter if an invitation has been sent (it is only the formal side that will not prevent people from wondering why the situation has reached the point where the second son of Charles father of a family and a nation is absent).
Having 5 children and one not coming, it still goes a little but having only 2 sons and one not coming to the crowning glory of your life with hundreds of guests present, believe me it will mark the father that t is Charles, the son that is Harry and so on, and so on, without forgetting the media and the public who will only remember this absence that day and the other days after.
But let's hope that sincere common ground will be taken and not just taken to avoid their absence because after that other occasions will claim their united poster. Yours, Vittoria and have a good weekend.
Being more French-speaking than English-speaking, I hope that I manage to formulate it well. THANKS
Charles hasn't said anything negative about his son. In fact, in his first speech as king he talked about him fondly and wished them luck in their new life. So if his son attend or doesn't attend doesn't reflect badly on Charles because he's not the one who's been talking about other people for two years. May I add that his son accused someone of the family of racism and two years later backtracked and said he never said such a thing. So if his son goes he's the one that will have to explain why he wants to take part in the most important ceremony of an institution he considers racist and oppressive on the day that the father he considers absent and cold is celebrated.
DeleteAnon 17.34 Excellent points and well-articulated. I agree with everything you said.
DeleteWhere do you think he went back on his statements? Where do you get this statement from?
DeleteUntil proven otherwise, Harry, like his wife, never went back on telling them and it is even the opposite but still without naming.
Anonymous 12:25–In the interview with Tom Bradby promoting “ Spare” Harry claimed he and Meghan were not accusing the Royal family of racism in the Oprah interview, that he does not believe the Royal is racist and he never suggested they were.
DeleteWonderful to see this post, Charlotte - thank you for hopping back on after a long rest and reset. That's what comes to mind most as I reflect on the joy of seeing you share these stories of Meghan, Harry and their beautiful children -the importance to pause for grace, reflection and clarity. Ceremonies and celebrations connect us, and if we can do them with love and kindness, we can cherish the memories we create together. I hope that Meghan and Harry continue to hold healthy boundaries with their extended family, while shining a light through their actions.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a big fan of the all-black look. I realize that the Duchess tried to lighten this ensemble with the black-and-white bag and the white earrings and shoes, and she does look chic, but I still think the outfit is a little overwhelmingly -- black. I would have liked to see, say, a cream-colored sweater.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I've been a huge fan of Max Mara since living in Italy, so I'm happy to see this nice coat. Alas, Max Mara coats (and Chanel bags) are beyond my budget, but I do own some other MM pieces. They hold up well. Just yesterday, I wore a jacket that I bought in 1988!
This sounds like a very worthy charity, and I love the idea of a pop-up baby boutique. By the way, to those who are wondering why you'd need a coat and a sweater in LA, temperatures have been low for the region lately. I saw pictures of snow beneath the Hollywood sign, and people living in the San Bernardino mountains of southern California were hit by deadly blizzards.
Vittoria, I felt so much black was a bit "heavy." It looked so sunny there -- I know the mountain areas had up to 15 feet of snow, which is just amazing. And there are continued dangerous storms today, but the bag is spring-like and the textured sweater with coat seemed overkill. But I'm so happy to see her. Allison in US
DeleteI haven’t heard if they are going to the coronation . I hope they do not, go . The King and PoW will have not time given to Sussexes for the necessary private conversations they want .
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates
ReplyDeleteWe should remember that we are seeing the results of some kind of communication between Harry and his father/father's representatives. We don't know the relation between using the children's titles, the christening, Frogmore, apartment at BP, what is seeming more likely that H&M will go to the coronation. Both parties probably have identified what is most important to them and then they negotiate. There may be agreements we never know about; I think Frogmore was important because the kids could be outside and safe, plus it was gifted from the Queen. However, with Fergie, Beatrice, and Eugenie leaving Windsor, there is less appeal to living there. And it might be awkward with W&K there. Not to mention that they are living in CA! I also think Charles wanted them at the coronation; we'll never know if he traded that for the children's legal titles. And we don't know exactly why the titles are more important now -- important, except H&M may be more inclined to have their children receive what is legally theirs now. We will likely never know what "deals" are being made, so it's unfair to judge H&M on their choices.
ReplyDeleteTotally shared analysis and I find it unfortunate precisely if arrangements are made just to motivate them not to miss the coronation, whereas if agreements are made for a coming to the coronation, that would mean that these agreements could be made to consolidate and preserve the family unit who would avoid all the exposure of their family misunderstandings; to wonder what is sometimes the priority for some: the coronation and the image or the family unit for the family ties with the image that it sends back to the public?
DeleteWonderful charity for Meghan to support and love. So happy to see that gorgeous Cartier Tank Watch on her wrist keeping time to her good work, as it did on Diana.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I'm glad you're back! I'm looking forward to this blog's continuation. :) It's lovely to see Meghan this happy. The names being settled feels like things are improving for all, somehow. Now we can look more forward, toward the King's coronation.
ReplyDeletePeople are already giving their thoughts about H&M going to the coronation. I imagine they would love to not go -- the prospect of unfriendly relatives is not much fun. Leaving Archie on his birthday is not something they would like to do either. Aside from all the criticism they would incur if they didn't go, Harry no doubt feels he doesn't want to deliberately hurt his father. I think they will be treated badly if they do go. I think the RF is very conscious of staying on Charles' good side. Sarah praised H&M but said she had not really met Meghan -- I give her kudos for being so nice but I think she fears being perceived as on H&M's "side." There are many perks that Charles can take away from nieces and nephews, like being able to visit where the Queen used to live with your own children. People have forgotten what Charles said about his parents and his horrible childhood years ago -- Harry referred to the cycle but Charles gave the details. I wis for H&M that a good excuse would arise so they can stay at home.
ReplyDeleteI love Meghan's look and I'm relieved the blog is continuing. Thank you Charlotte. Did you see The World Central Kitchen is publishing a cookbook?
ReplyDeletePeople tend to focus a lot on the family drama, but I recently wanted to focus on Meghan Markle’s projects since leaving the Royal Family:
1. World Central Kitchen
2. 40x40 initiative
3. Pearl [yes, it didn’t pan out, but she still put in the work]
4. Clevr Blends
5. The Bench
6. Archetypes
7. Global Citizen Vax
8. MLK Day Food Truck
9. Volunteered at Homeboy Industries
10. Op-ed: The Losses We Share
11. Worked with L.A. Works and I Have A Dream foundation
12. Continued her work with Smart Works
13. Supported Dallas Women's Shelter in the wake of Texas Crisis
14. Joined a Get Lit poetry class to mark Black History Month
15. Participated in 100 Talk 'Engineering A Better Digital World'
16. Archewell Audio Holiday Special
17. Participated in Fortune Summit Conversation
18. Donated to Mayhew, the Henry van Straubenzee Fund & Transition House
19. Won the Mail On Sunday lawsuit
20. Marked International Day of the Girl in Conversation with Malala
21. Volunteered at Assistance League Preschool
22. Joined The 19th* Virtual Summit
23. Keynote address for the virtual Girl Up Leadership Summit
24. Working with Ethic as impact partner
25. Paid Parental Leave
26. Donation to Smart Works for research
27. Bag donation to Smark Works
28. Thanksgiving meal to 300
I'm sure I missed a lot. She works & this was during a period of transition.
Very sophisticated look. She never disappoints.
ReplyDeleteThat list of Meghan's accomplishments is wonderful; she has such energy and creativity. I saw today that Meghan et al. had "so generously shared their time and resources to transform our empty storage room into a charming space filled with donated clothes, baby accessories, and essential items.
ReplyDeleteOur residents have already used points earned in classes on their first round of baby gear. As women continue to work towards their educational goals, the baby boutique will ensure that they graduate from Harvest Home with everything they need!"
I found photos at https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1747529/Meghan-Markle-nursery-design-pictures