Duchess Meghan might have relocated to a new base in Los Angeles, but she’s certainly not forgotten the people she left behind in the UK.
You may recall the Duchess’ passionate involvement with one charity, SmartWorks, not least because she designed an entire line of clothing in collaboration with them last year.
And despite moving to a new country and living through a global pandemic, nothing is stopping the former senior royal from continuing to do her bit with the charity – a certain recent video call proved as much.
On Thursday, footage of the Duchess partaking in a video call with one of SmartWorks’ clients surfaced.
The charity works to help women to find employment by upskilling and equipping them with some of the necessary feats (including professional attire) that will ultimately stand them in good stead for job opportunities.
In the surprise video call, Meghan is seen looking bright and fresh faced as she interacts with one of the charity’s clients.
Wearing a deep maroon top and with her hair swept back into a half-up-half-down ‘do, the Duchess was in her natural element as she gave the woman a pep talk ahead of her job interview.
The Duchess was glowing in the unexpected video call from her LA home.
(SmartWorks)Speaking from her new home in LA, the Duchess told her she was a “beacon of hope”, admiring the woman’s determination for getting through a tough time.
“When I was reading about what your interests are, and especially you have a big focus in mental health as well, right? Psychology? I think that’s excellent,” Meghan said.
“I just wanted to be able to call in and wish you the best of luck and my fingers are crossed for you.
“There’s so much going on in the world right now and to be such a beacon of hope and focusing on getting through it, and all the positivity that we just want to send your way, and to make sure you can get on the other side of this too, and have such a great opportunity there.”
Meghan also added a statement about SmartWorks, which was republished on the charity’s Instagram page: “It’s been such an honour to meet and learn from so many talented women in the Smart Works network over the years, and recently to see the amazing work they’re doing to adapt their programs to the reality of this pandemic.”
Meghan continued: “Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring.”
The charity added that they have now moved into providing women with virtual preparation sessions as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“From the volunteers who have been delivering coaching online to the staff working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly – the energy, passion and commitment has been overwhelming.”
Ever the female champion, the Duchess has longstanding roots with the women’s charity.
(Getty)Excitement for seeing the Duchess in her element on the video call was clear, with a number of fans flocking to the comments section to share their thoughts.
“Meghan is the best. Always following through with her passions. You can tell she genuinely cares,” wrote one fan.
“Wonderful woman and wonderful charity,” wrote another.
Meghan’s ties with the charity stem back to when she was pregnant with baby Archie, with the Duchess having secretly worked on her clothing line with them behind the scenes for months before it was eventually announced and launched in September 2019.
The five-piece capsule collection consisted a shirt, trousers, a tailored jacket, a bag and a dress, with each being designed by leading British brands Jigsaw, John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer and Misha Nonoo.
With a style muse like Meghan behind it, needless to say the collection has been wildly successful.
As her work with the charity continues, perhaps we can expect a Spring Summer 2020 edition…
