Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have sent sweet treats and a thoughtful letter to the incredible women behind a Grenfell community kitchen to mark International Women’s Day.
The Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, praised the Hubb Community Kitchen for their ‘compassionate example’ and said they ‘frequently talk about how much we miss all of you’.
The initiative, long-supported by the Sussexes, was set up to provide support and hot meals for bereaved families in west London following the Grenfell blaze, which killed 72 people on June 14, 2017.
Delicious-looking cupcakes decorated with fruit were sent to the women behind the kitchen via the Luminary Bakery, a small independent London bakery that Meghan has worked with in recent years as it aims to ’empower women’.
The gesture comes after Meghan and Prince Harry’s bombshell Oprah interview sent shock waves around the world yesterday as the couple laid bare the extent of their rift with the Royal Family.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have sent sweet treats and a thoughtful letter (pictured) to the incredible women behind a Grenfell community kitchen to mark International Women’s Day
Delicious-looking cupcakes decorated with fruit were sent to the women behind the Hubb Community Kitchen via the Luminary Bakery (above), a small independent London bakery that Meghan has worked with in recent years as it aims to ’empower women’.
‘Luminary has sent out a very special delivery for #InternationalWomensDay! We had the pleasure of surprising the incredible women of @thehubbcommunitykitchen with a thoughtful and tasty gift from Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex—a champion of both of our organisations,’ the social enterprise bakery wrote on their Instagram account yesterday.
Alongside their post, the east London bakery — which provides employment and support for women who are trying to escape poverty, homelessness and violence – revealed a friendly note from the Sussexes.
‘Dear Women of the Hubb Community Kitchen,’ Meghan and Harry wrote in the letter. ‘Today, in recognition of International Women’s Day, we wanted to write and offer a small (and delicious!) gift to thank you for all that you do.
‘Across the world, we’ve seen how families, and especially women and mothers, have been disproportionately affected by the impact of COVID-19. Yet, whilst facing multiple and complex challenges presented by the pandemic, you have continued to serve your community and act with compassion throughout.
‘We are honoured to know such an amazing and inspiring group of women. And we’re thinking of you often,’ they added.
The kitchen, long-supported by the Sussexes, was set up to provide support and hot meals for bereaved families in west London following the Grenfell blaze, which killed 72 people on June 14, 2017. Pictured, Meghan at the kitchen in November, 2018
‘In our conversations together, we frequently talk about how much we miss all of you – how much we miss your spirit, your commitment to serving others, and your memorable personalities.
‘We are overwhelmed by your kindness and optimism and have been delighted to learn of the volunteer work you continue to fulfil and develop.’
The couple continued: ‘In providing hot meals to those in need, to empowering women with translation service through to giving children a creative outlet to express their feelings, your work ripples out.
‘Know that these ripples are creating waves of change that will have a lasting effect on those around you. We’re always proud to see the compassionate example that the women of hubb are setting.’
Continuing, they wrote, ‘Your strength and dedication to your community will never go overlooked. Sending our very best, from our family to yours, and celebrating you today and every day.’
One of the women who received the tasty bakes, Jennifer Fatima, a community worker who featured in Meghan’s charity cookbook Together, shared a snap of the delicious treats to her Instagram account.
One of the women who received the tasty bakes, Jennifer Fatima, a community worker who featured in Meghan’s charity cookbook Together, shared a snap (pictured) of the delicious treats to her Instagram account
‘Happy women’s day to all the wonderful women around the world! #internationalwomensday. A big thank you to Harry and Meghan for this box of thoughtful and yummy treats by @luminarybakery,’ Jennifer said (pictured)
‘Happy women’s day to all the wonderful women around the world! #internationalwomensday. A big thank you to Harry and Meghan for this box of thoughtful and yummy treats by @luminarybakery,’ Jennifer said.
‘Thank you very much for such a lovely, touching surprise,’ she added.
Meghan, who has repeatedly checked in with the community endeavour, developed a close relationship with the Hubb Community Kitchen since the release of 2018 charity cookbook Together, which marked her first solo venture as a royal.
In April last year, she took part in a call with several members of the group to discuss how their work can be adapted during lockdown.
The kitchen was set up by Grenfell survivors at Al Manaar mosque following the blaze at the 24-storey flat, which turned into the most deadly domestic fire since the Second World War.
Meghan and Prince Harry’s gesture comes after the couple’s interview (pictured) on CBS late on Sunday night sent shock waves around the world as the couple laid bare the extent of their rift with the Queen and other senior royals
Meghan and Prince Harry’s gesture comes after the couple’s interview on CBS late on Sunday night sent shock waves around the world as the couple laid bare the extent of their rift with the Queen and other senior royals.
They accused an unnamed Royal Family member of racism, suggesting the relative had asked ‘how dark’ their baby would be; said they had been driven out of Britain, in part, by racism; and accused the Palace machinery of failing to support a ‘suicidal’ Meghan.
Harry revealed an astonishing rift with his father, saying his family had cut him off financially while suggesting the Queen had been badly advised and had cancelled a meeting scheduled at Sandringham.
Meghan also accused her sister-in-law Kate of making her cry; suggested senior royals plotted to ensure Archie would never have a title or adequate security; and said officials had failed to stand up for the couple against ‘racist’ commentary, while lying to protect other royals.