The Duchess of Sussex has been out in force lately, rocking her fabulous baby bump in chic maternity outfits as she meets with the various organisations she has chosen to devote her support to.
On Thursday, Duchess Meghan stepped out in a recycled Givenchy outfit during a meeting with students and academics from London’s Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for the first time since becoming an official royal patron of the organisation.
French fashion house Givenchy is a favourite of Meghan’s – head designer Clare Waight Keller made the Duchess’s beautiful wedding dress – and she wore an all-black outfit from the brand with nude pumps and earrings by Dean Davidson.
Meghan wore the same bespoke Givenchy coat to a Remembrance Sunday service in November 2018.
The ACU brings universities, academics and students together from all over the world.
The Duchess is a proud advocate of education, particularly among women and less advantaged communities.
The ACU aims to bring together universities, academics and students from around the world
Joanna Newman, chief executive and secretary general of the ACU, said of Meghan’s appointment: “Our new patron, of course, has such a fantastic record of speaking up about the issues we most care about in higher education, whether it’s equity of access, gender and girls, or a whole host of other issues.”
She continued: “The Duchess shares our passion for the transformational power of higher education, and Her Royal Highness’s support will help champion higher education as a force for good in the Commonwealth and beyond.”
Look at that pregnancy glow! (Image: Getty)*
Meghan styled her hair in a topknot for the event. (Image: Getty)
One of the academics present was Dr Ephraim Kisangala, a Commonwealth PhD scholar from Uganda. He said he spoke to Meghan about his thesis on menstrual hygiene management in refugee settlements in his country.
“The Duchess was very passionate about our work, I could tell she had a genuine concern for the women we are trying to help,” he told the Daily Mail.
“She has been to Africa and has also identified the problem herself in the past for the women who are suffering due to the attitudes towards menstruation across the world … The most affected are women and children who flee without even the basic of necessities.
“The Duchess said to me how shocked she was and how it was so important to raise awareness of this issue so that more can be done.
“Because she has been to Africa she also identified with many of the myths and taboos surrounding this issue and was particularly aware of how poor menstruation management leads not only to disease but an incredible rate of school drop out for young girls.”
READ NEXT: Duchess Meghan’s best maternity fashion moments
The bump has popped! (Image: Getty)
Her hands are never far from the precious bump. (Image: Getty)
Meghan wore the same Givenchy coat in November last year. (Image: Getty)
Frogmore Cottage move-in date revealed
Today it was also revealed that Meghan and Prince Harry are expected to move into their new home at Frogmore Cottage in March.
The former staff quarters is currently undergoing extensive renovations to prepare for the couple’s arrival, and for their new baby.
The location is a special place for Meghan and Harry – it’s where they hosted their wedding reception in May 2018 and it’s where their official engagement photos were taken.
WATCH BELOW: The moment Meghan feels her baby kick
Former royal chef Darren McGrady has reveals just how much work needs to be done to the property to make it liveable for the royal couple.
“When I was there, Frogmore Cottage was split into five different homes. Staff accommodation was run by the Crown properties so it was paid for by the government and they never really overspend,” told HELLO!
“It was a fantastic location – you’re in the Queen’s back garden – but a little bit run-down. If something wanted repairing it would just be repaired, it would never be replaced.
“The staff quarters were never the most luxurious so I can imagine there’s a lot of work to be done to turn them into royal accommodation.”
Meghan’s trademark messy bun has been replaced with a more polished look. (Image: Getty)
Love that she recycled her outfit. (Image: Getty)
