Pregnant Meghan Markle turns stylist as she visits women's charity after first solo patronages announced

Hatty Collier10 January 2019

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex turned stylist today as she helped a client select an interview outfit at a women's charity of which she has been named patron.

Mother-to-be Meghan was hailed for her hands-on approach as she helped a woman select a dress, coat and accessories on her visit to Smart Works.

Patsy Wardally was pictured smiling and laughing with the Duchess after she picked out a camel coloured jacket for her which was similar to the one Meghan was wearing herself when she arrived for the visit.

Meghan was also photographed helping to fix a bracelet on Ms Wardally's wrist.

The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works - In Pictures

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The Duchess of Sussex's first solo charity patronages were announced on Wednesday – reflecting her interests in the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare.

She has taken on an honorary role with Smart Works, a charity that helps long-term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills to succeed at job interviews and return to work.

Meghan, who is thought to be around six months pregnant, was visiting the charity at St Charles Hospital in north Kensington on Wednesday after her first patronages were announced.

The Duchess of Sussex beams as she is greeted by Kate Stephens, the charity's chief executive
Jeremy Selwyn

She wore a black dress from Hatch and a tan coat by Oscar de la Renta for the occasion. Meghan was greeted by Smart Works chief executive Kate Stephens and chair and founder of the charity Lady Juliet Hughes-Hallett.

The duchess heard from staff members about the work of the charity, and met women who have benefited from its support.

She told the group, which included two former clients: "I'm so happy to be here.

"You guys know I've been quietly coming by ... close to a year.

The Duchess of Sussex (R), walks through clothes racks with Chair of Smart Works Lady Juliet Hughes-Hallett (L)
AFP/Getty Images

"It's nice to be able to now do it publicly and really talk about the work that you do."

Chief executive Ms Stephens said the duchess had made several private visits to the centre in 2018.

The Duchess of Sussex (centre) picks out clothes with Patsy Wardally during her visit to Smart Works
PA

She added: "She's really hands-on and involved, and has a natural empathy with people that we've been really impressed by, she's amazing.

"She puts people at their ease. It does feel slightly surreal."

Meghan with Patsy Wardally (@RE_DailyMail)
Daily Mail

The Duchess of Sussex has also taken on roles with the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and animal charity Mayhew.

Meghan is thought to be around six months pregnant
Jeremy Selwyn

The announcement is a major milestone for the pregnant former actress, outlining the first steps of her public life as a member of the monarchy.

The duchess reportedly met the Queen for tea to discuss the new roles at the end of last year, amid claims the monarch is looking to reduce her workload after turning 92.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has been announced as patron of Smart Works
PA

Kensington Palace said in a statement: “The Duchess is delighted to become patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes.

Meghan steps out of the car at Smart Works, north Kensington
Jeremy Selwyn

“Her Royal Highness feels she can use her position to focus attention on, and make a particular difference to these organisations and, more widely, the sectors they each represent.”

The roles are the first patronages Meghan holds in her own right, as she is already a joint patron of the Royal Foundation.

Meghan is greeted at Smart Works, the charity of which she has been named patron
PA

Two of the roles - patron of The National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities - were passed to her by the Queen, who has held the positions for 45 and 33 years respectively.

Kensington Palace said that over the past 12 months Meghan "has held meetings and conducted private visits" with each of her four new charities or organisations.

Meghan hugs Kate Stephens, the charity's chief executive
Jeremy Selwyn

Today on her visit to Smart Works, Meghan was meeting women who have benefitted from the charity’s support.

Half of its clients are from an ethnic minority, long term unemployed and have been unsuccessful with a large number of job applications.

The charity helps them return to work by helping with interview techniques, CVs and outfits.

Thanks to the charity’s support, 60 per cent go on to get a job following their visit to Smart Works.

Juliet Hughes-Hallett, its chair and founder, said: “An acknowledged champion of women and their rights worldwide, the Duchess will motivate ever more women to come to our centres and get the job that will transform their lives.

“The Duchess’s patronage will inspire the women we serve and help them reach for the stars.”

As well as providing complete outfits of high quality clothes for job interviews, beneficiaries also have access to one-to-one interview training and the opportunity to join Smart Works Network, meeting every month to further their professional and personal development.

To date the charity has helped more than 11,000 women and aims to dress 3,500 women this year across their two London offices, and additional bases in key cities across the UK - Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading, Birmingham and Newcastle.

The other organisation Meghan will support is Mayhew, an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and people in communities both in London and internationally.

The animal welfare charity Mayhew was the first of Meghan's new patronages to publicly comment about the announcement, tweeting about its new royal supporter.

It said: "We're thrilled that HRH shares our commitment to improving the lives of animals and people, and are excited to make a difference together."

Caroline Yates, chief executive of Mayhew, which works to improve the lives of dogs, cats and local people, said the charity was "excited" to have Meghan as its patron.

Speaking about the duchess's work supporting various animal rescue centres in her home city of Los Angeles, Ms Yates added: "The duchess has spent many years championing animal welfare, and we are honoured to have our charity represented by such a passionate patron.

"We look forward to working closely with the duchess and hope that, together, we can help even more animals and people."

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