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Meghan Markle continues with Smart Works patronage, sending handwritten letters from California

The Duchess has written ‘several thoughtful notes’ to clients of the charity, it was confirmed

Joanna Whitehead
Wednesday 17 March 2021 15:32 GMT
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Meghan Markle will continue in her Smart Works patronage role from her new home in California.

Smart Works – a UK-based charity that provides interview training and clothing to help women secure employment and re-enter the workplace – confirmed that Meghan had written “several thoughtful notes” to clients this week to congratulate them on their achievements.

The charity is currently being highlighted on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s website Archewell as part of their campaign for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day in March.

A statement shared on the charity’s website says that Meghan’s personalised notes to the women they work with were written “with kindness and care”.

One note, which was sent to a woman who had secured a job in the health sector, reads: “I wanted to offer my personal congratulations on landing a new position in public health – I can’t think of anything more important right now.

“And I’m so pleased to know that Smart Works supported you in the lead-up to your successful job interview.”

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Another wished a woman luck before an upcoming interview: “I wanted to write personally to wish you every success in your upcoming interview.

“While any interview can feel daunting, I know that Smart Works has enabled you with the confidence to thrive throughout the process”.

The note continued: “You’ll be amazing in your interview. Remember: deep breath and be yourself,” it read.

Meghan has been an official patron of Smart Works since January 2019.

Her involvement led to the creation of ‘The Smart Set’ – a capsule collection that worked with leading fashion brands to create the perfect working wardrobe for the women supported by the charity.

And in July 2019, she raised the charity’s profile after featuring them in her guest-editorship of British Vogue.

Speaking about the charity, Meghan said: “The reason I was drawn to Smart Works is that it reframes the idea of charity as community.

“It’s a network of women supporting and empowering other women in their professional pursuits.”

In February 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan confirmed that they would be stepping back from royal duties.

This decision meant that the pair lost a series of charitable associations and patronages in which they amplified particular causes they felt passionate about.

The couple issued a statement suggesting they would be continuing with some service in the UK, however.

“As evidenced by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal,” it read.

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