Meghan Markle posts two-week-old pictures of dog rescue centre visit on the same day Kate Middleton launches landmark child welfare campaign
- Meghan Markle visited The Mayhew centre in Kensal Green, North West London
- She heard about the ‘incredible progress made throughout the festive period’
- Sussex Royal Instagram account posts two photographs of her visit to centre
- She will continue as patron despite stepping down as senior royal with Harry
The Duchess of Sussex made a secret visit to an animal welfare charity during her short visit to London two weeks ago, her aides revealed today.
Meghan Markle visited The Mayhew centre in Kensal Green, North West London, to hear about the ‘incredible progress made throughout the festive period’.
The Sussex Royal Instagram account posted two photographs this morning of her during a visit to the centre, where she has been a patron for a year.
Meghan visited The Mayhew centre in Kensal Green, North West London, two weeks ago
The Sussex Royal Instagram account posted two pictures of her during a visit to the centre
The post came at a strategic moment, after the Duchess of Cambridge launched a landmark national survey about the early years development of children.
It was also revealed ahead of a Channel 5 interview with her estranged father Thomas Markle, which is critical of her and is due to air at 9pm tonight.
Meghan had been in London for a few days before returning to Vancouver Island, where she had been staying with Prince Harry and son Archie over Christmas.
The @SussexRoyal Instagram post said: ‘Earlier this month, The Duchess of Sussex popped in to see the amazing people at Mayhew to hear about the incredible progress made throughout the festive period.
The Instagram post mentioned the ‘incredible progress made throughout the festive period’
The visit came in the week Harry and Meghan went to Canada House in London on January 7
‘The Duchess of Sussex, having been proud patron of Mayhew since January 2019 and long understanding the connection between animal and community welfare, applauds the people at Mayhew for the vital work that they do every day.
‘From cats and dogs who have found new homes to animal welfare cases handled in the community – The Mayhew believes in the power of togetherness and the special bond between humans and animals.’
The Duchess will continue to be a patron of the centre despite announcing on January 8 that she would be stepping down as a senior royal along with Harry.
Caroline Yates, chief executive of Mayhew, gave Meghan her backing earlier this week, saying: ‘The Duchess of Sussex has long championed animal welfare.
‘We are delighted that, with Her Majesty The Queen’s blessing, she will continue as our patron. We look forward to continuing to work together to help more animals and people.’
Meghan went to the animal centre while in London two weeks ago during a trip that also saw her visit Canada House with Harry for a public engagement.
Harry joined Meghan and Archie in Canada on Monday night after arriving on a WestJet plane on Vancouver Island as they prepare to live a more private life.
Vancouver Island, an area known for its outstanding natural beauty, is off Canada’s west coast and is part of the province of British Columbia.