Meghan Markle coaxed parents and children to the floor to play with toys Archie would love admitting her little boy would be ‘crabby’ if he was kept in a chair.
The Duchess of Sussex’s laid-back move initially shocked the group at Mothers2Mothers – a Cape Town support group that trains and employs mothers with HIV.
Meghan, who went on two solo trips without Harry and their son this afternoon, had suddenly jumped down from her chair and declared: ‘I can’t be the only one sitting down here’ as the circle of women sat and watched.
The 38-year-old American-born actress then said: ‘I just think if Archie were here with all those toys on the floor and I made him sit in the chair, it would be so unfair!’.
After an uncomfortable few seconds she then grinned as around five mothers and their young children joined her to play with the toys and read books where one.
Meghan also brought clothes, books and other items given to Archie as gifts, including some of his babygros that are now too small for the five-month-old.
Meghan got down on the floor to play with children whose parents initially appeared frozen before they joined her on the mat
Meghan declared Archie would get ‘crabby’ if he was forced to sit in a chair when toys were on offer
The Duchess then made the group laugh by saying ‘I can’t be the only one sitting down here’ and they joined her
MailOnline footage showed Meghan’s relief as the group finally joined her
Meghan Markle coaxed parents and children to the floor to play with toys Archie would love admitting he’d be ‘crabby’ if he was kept in a chair
The Duchess of Sussex left baby Archie and her husband Harry behind for a series of solo events at groups empowering women in South Africa – but said he’d have loved to play with the children
But after a busy morning meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu on his first royal engagement Archie stayed behind with his father.
Meghan first went to meet inspiring female entrepreneurs in Cape Town where she said: ‘We’re only five months in right now. Being a working mum and travelling as well with a baby, my goodness it’s a lot, but it’s all so exciting.
“There are days when it’s a lot to juggle but then you meet someone, have an impact on them and it’s so rewarding.”
After posing with the group she crossed the city visit the Mothers2Mothers organisation.
Earlier the Duchess and Prince Harry took Archie on his first public engagement to meet Archbishop and anti-apartheid campaigner Desmond Tutu.
Meghan then changed into a chic Her black Everlane jumpsuit, teamed with statement GAS Bijoux gold earrings, and black Manolo Blahnik pumps for the solo events.
The 38-year-old wore the same £100 jumpsuit while working behind-the-scenes on the September issue of British Vogue in July.
At the business event Meghan met with Shirley Gilbey, the director of the UK-SA Tech Hub, a group which supports South Africans, particularly women, involved in the tech industry with skills development resources and support.
Meghan kissed a young girl’s hand as she visited the African not-for-profit organisation ‘mothers2mothers’
Meghan greeted people with a hug outside the charity in Cape Town
The Duchess of Sussex waves to the Cape Town crowds as she visits Mothers2Mothers in Cape Town, an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV
The Duchess sat alongside 12 other empowering and inspiring women at the event
Meghan changed into a chic Her black Everlane jumpsuit for the talk with female business leaders today
Meghan was told about the Ladies Who Launch conversation series the hub offers, which brings together a cross-section of female entrepreneurs and investors.
The Duke and Duchess shared images from the talk on their Instagram account, along with the caption: ‘Verified Ladies who launch! This afternoon in the Woodstock district of Cape Town, The Duchess of Sussex joined inspiring female entrepreneurs who shared their passion for ideas, technology and making a positive social impact.
‘Each of the women shared amazing stories of how they started in business, the journey they’ve been on – successes and struggles – but also their ambitions for the future.
‘Female empowerment and championing women’s rights is a key focus for The Duchess.
‘By taking small actions we can make a big difference. Thank you to the inspiring women The Duchess met today, who are setting this example every day through their dedication and determination.’
As she was gifted a bunch of flowers, the Duchess of Sussex stopped to hug a young fan
The Duchess playfully encouraged the other women to sit on the floor with her
Meghan sat cross-legged on the floor and played with babies and toddlers
The organisation trains and employs women living with HIV as frontline health workers across eight African nations
Meghan encourages the clients at mothers2mothers to sit down on the floor
The hub focuses on skills development, capacity building, mentorship and access to markets by helping entrepreneurs
The Duchess changed into a black jumpsuit as she met 12 inspiring female entrepreneurs when she visits the UK-SA Tech Hub
Meghan looked chic and elegant in her simple black jumpsuit and matching heels
She was relaxed as she chatted and giggled during the visit today
The UK-SA Tech Hub is a virtual hub working to develop the maturity of the South African tech ecosystem in order to enable strong digital economic growth over time.
The Tech Hub focuses on skills development, capacity building, mentorship and access to markets by assisting entrepreneurs, particularly women, to acquire skills, resources and support.
Meghan met with 12 inspiring female entrepreneurs, gathered around a table for a discussion on their experiences.
She learned how the ‘Ladies who Launch’ conversation series, that brings together a cross-section of female entrepreneurs, investors and corporate decision makers, is supporting and inspiring them.
The goal is to ignite the opportunity through network building between aspiring – and inspiring – female entrepreneurs and successful role model women.
The Duchess of Sussex also spoke about being a working mother during the meeting with women entrepreneurs
Meghan arrived at the headquarters of Mothers2Mothers, an association training and employing mothers with HIV
The inspiring entrepreneurs posed for pictures with the Duchess as they thanked her for visiting them
Meghan was driven to mothers2mothers after taking part in the conversation and the Woodstock Exchange
Meghan met with Shirley Gilbey, the director of the UK-SA Tech Hub, before participating in a talk
She teamed her jumpsuit with statement GAS Bijoux gold earrings, and black Manolo Blahnik pumps
The Duchess animatedly chatted to women at the event in Cape Town this afternoon
The Duchess of Sussex laughs with 12 inspiring female entrepreneurs as she visits Woodstock Exchange
The 38-year-old met female entrepreneurs working in technology
The UK-SA Tech Hub is a virtual hub working to develop the maturity of the South African tech ecosystem in order to enable strong digital economic growth over time
The 38-year-old wore the same jumpsuit while working behind-the-scenes on the September issue of British Vogue in July
Meghan looked relaxed in the £100 piece from US-based Everlane – a brand she has worn on a number of previous occasions
Fashion fans hoping to emulate the Duchess’ style are in luck – the laid back jumpsuit is still available to buy online
In March 2019, The Duchess of Sussex joined a panel discussion convened by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust to mark International Women’s Day, featuring female business and charity leaders, the panellists discussed the obstacles that still affect female empowerment across the world today, and the positive opportunities that come when women are given wider access.
Harry and Meghan are on a 10-day visit to Africa with their four-month-old son Archie and later the duke will leave his family to travel to Botswana.
He will also visit Angola and Malawi over the coming days before he is reunited next week with his wife and child in Johannesburg.
Meghan arrived in South Africa laden with children’s clothes, books and other items for the charity – presents donated to their son Archie.