MEGHAN Markle has glowed as she arrived for her first royal event back from maternity leave today.
The Duchess of Sussex stepped out to launch her high street women’s work wear range in aid of Smart Works, one of her first patronages.
Her “work wear” capsule collection will include a shirt, trousers, a blazer, dress and a bag, with an item donated to the charity every time one is bought.
It’s the first royal engagement for the 38-year-old since she gave birth to baby Archie on May 6.
And the former actress donned the collection’s Jigsaw trousers, Misha Nonoo shirts and John Lewis tote for her visit today.
Speaking today, the royal said: “Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact.
“We’ve demonstrated how we can work collectively to empower each other – another layer to this communal success story, that I am so proud to be a part of.”
And the duchess’ quote: “Not a handout, a hand held” accompanies the items.
Meghan announced the clothing collection, created by Jigsaw, John Lewis and Partners, Marks and Spencer and her designer friend Misha Nonoo, in the September issue of Vogue that she guest edited.
Nonoo is credited with introducing Harry to his future wife via a blind date and she had a VIP seat at the royal wedding.
But despite taking a step back from the spotlight during maternity leave, Meghan continued to make headlines.
The former actress was seen most recently when she flew to New York to support her friend Serena Williams – snubbing the Queen’s invite to Balmoral.
Meghan left baby Archie with dad Prince Harry to make the trip, despite a spokeswoman saying the couple were “too busy” to see the monarch on her Scottish holiday and that their four-month-old son was too young.
And her trip to the US was on a commercial flight after she and Prince Harry came under fire for flying on a private jet four times in just 11 days over the summer.
BEHIND THE SMART WORKS CHARITY
Smart Works helps woman get back into the workplace by providing them with clothes, confidence and the coaching they need to succeed at a job interview.
Smart Works helps over 2,000 women every year across two offices in London, with over one in two clients succeeding at their job interview.
Upon booking, each client is given a two-hour appointment where they receive one complete outfit for their interview which they can keep, free of charge, before taking part in a one-to-one interview coaching session.
The clothes are a mix of new and slightly worn pieces and if the client is successful in any interview, they are able to return to Smart Works for another appointment where they will receive more items of clothing to help build a working wardrobe.
The Duchess of Sussex has asked John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Jigsaw to create a fashion line which will benefit the organisation.
Harry and Meghan had been snapped in the South of France last month after enjoying a break at Sir Elton John’s palatial £15million pad.
Earlier in August, the couple had flown to Ibiza to celebrate her 38th birthday in style with a six-day trip.
Harry, 34, later insisted that he only flew on private jets to ensure his family’s safety.
Prince Harry also stepped out for a royal engagement today, visiting the Rugby Football Union All Schools Programme at Lealands High School in Luton.
The duke appeared in good spirits as he chatted with students, even giving out high fives and hugs.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton were also seen promoting their work on a mental health project with Love Actually director Richard Curtis.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were reportedly involved in a rift with the Sussexes, which saw the Royal Foundation split.
Meghan recently gave the public a glimpse of baby Archie when she headed to a polo match to watch Prince Harry play.
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But royal fans were left disappointed when the schedule for the Sussex’s upcoming trip to Africa was released, with no mention of Archie making an appearance.
This is said to be down to Archie’s age, with a palace insider telling ITV: “The couple hope to include Archie at some point in the programme but its difficult to schedule. He’s five-months-old.”
Buckingham Palace revealed the parents would fly with baby Archie to Cape Town on September 23.
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