Meghan Markle and Prince Harry donate £100,000 to female education charity to mark their birthdays

‘No better way to celebrate what really matters,’ Duke and Duchess of Sussex state

(Getty Images)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have donated more than £100,000 to a female education charity to mark both of their recent birthdays.

Camfed (Campaign for Female Education) is a non-profit organisation that champions education for vulnerable girls and young women across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania and Malawi.

In light of the duke and duchess’s birthdays – which took place on 15 September and 4 August respectively – the “Sussex Squad”, the name given to their most dedicated fans, decided to donate to Camfed in their honour.

On 15 September, the date on which Prince Harry turned 36, the duke and duchess announced that they would be matching donations made by the Sussex Squad to Camfed by contributing $130,000 (£100,795) to the organisation.

In addition to their donation, Meghan and Prince Harry also left a note for all who have donated to the charity.

“No better way to celebrate what really matters. Thank you to everyone who donated,” they said.

Since the fundraiser has been launched, over £200,000 has been raised, with the help of the Sussexes’ contribution.

“That’s enough to support 113 young African women through a whole year of technical and vocational training,” Camfed stated.

The webpage for the fundraiser features a message on behalf of the Sussex Squad, which explains that “one of the great things about being fans of Harry and Meghan is never being at a loss for inspiration to celebrate them in purposeful and meaningful ways”.

“Fundamental to their appeal is how earnestly they carry out their humanitarian work, serving and embracing young leaders around the world who, as they flourish, make sure that no one in their communities is left behind,” it says.

Prior to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor’s birth in May 2019, fans of Meghan and Prince Harry set up a social media campaign called #GlobalSussexBabyShower, through which they donated to various charitable organisations.

Camfed was one of the organisations that benefited from a surge in donations at the time.

“Many of you supported Camfed when the Sussex Squad called on the generosity of its members and followers during the #GlobalSussexBabyShower campaign,” Camfed stated on its recent fundraiser.

“You honoured the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s commitment to community-led change and social justice, and celebrated the imminent arrival of baby Archie by donating to causes that the Duke and Duchess care deeply about.

“Now we are thrilled to have been chosen to benefit from your generosity as the Sussex Squad celebrate Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s birthdays.”