Meghan Markle ‘so proud’ of Hubb Community Kitchen three years on from Grenfell

‘What you have done is such an inspiration,’ duchess tells community kitchen in audio message

The Duchess of Sussex has paid tribute to the “inspirational” women who run the Hubb Community Kitchen in West London on the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Sunday 14 June marked three years since the Grenfell Tower fire, when a blaze, fuelled by the 24-storey building’s cladding, claimed the lives of 72 people.

In the aftermath of the fire, the Hubb Community Kitchen was set up at the Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre by a group of women affected by the tragedy, who used the communal kitchen to make food for their community.

In September 2018, it was reported that Meghan had been making regular private visits to the kitchen, later collaborating with the women to create a charity cookbook.

On the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, the duchess praised the women for all they have done for their community.

“I think back to when I met all of you and how you had all come together in the wake of what you experienced in your community,” Meghan said in an audio message, according to the Evening Standard.

“And now what you have done is such an inspiration, you continue to give back, you continue to put love in action. And that’s really what Hubb is all about... we know it means love but you are the example of love in action, and that is your purpose.”

The duchess added that her husband, the Duke of Sussex, is proud of their work, and that the couple are “sending so much love” from their Los Angeles home.

“I’m so proud of you, so is Harry, and we are sending so much love to you from across the pond and thinking of you today, as I’m sure it’s a difficult day, but also one where you can look at how much you’ve accomplished in the past three years, and how you continue to give back and be an example for all those around you,” Meghan stated.

In April, the duchess took part in a video call with several of the women who work in Hubb Community Kitchen, during which they discussed the women’s plans to make between 250 to 300 meals a day, three days a week, from their homes amid lockdown.

On the call, Meghan highlighted how the spirit of the communal kitchen “has always been one of caring, giving back and helping those in need”.

“A home-cooked meal from one neighbour to another, when they need it most, is what community is all about,” she said.

That same month, the duchess backed The Independent‘s Help The Hungry appeal, in conjunction with the Evening Standard, which is raising funds for the delivery of food to poor, elderly and vulnerable Londoners during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to new analysis, around 56,000 people are still living in buildings with flammable cladding.