Meghan Markle is set to make her ‘working’ debut alongside fiancé Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today – the first time the ‘fab four’ have appeared at a public engagement together.
All eyes will be on the former actress, who is set to walk down the aisle with the Queen’s grandson in May, as she appears on stage with the three young royals at the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum in London, an event to highlight the work of William, Kate and Harry’s personal charitable organisation.
Miss Markle, 36, is even expected to answer questions about projects currently supported by the foundation and of its ambitions for the future, a test for which she will no doubt draw on her experience as a working actress.
Meghan Markle is set to make her ‘working’ debut alongside fiancé Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today. Pictured: The Fab Four on Christmas Day in King’s Lynn
Miss Markle, 36, is even expected to answer questions about projects currently supported by the foundation and of its ambitions for the future, a test for which she will no doubt draw on her experience as a working actress
Today’s audience will be made up of invited guests, supporters of The Royal Foundation, organisations it is partnered with, beneficiaries – and, of course, the worldwide media. Pictured: Harry and Meghan on Christmas Day
Their question and answer session will be hosted by BBC presenter and Radio 1 newsreader Tina Daheley (pictured)
As the star of US legal drama Suits, she frequently took part in televised script readings followed by question and answer sessions with journalists and members of the public.
The event, held at the offices of Aviva in the City of London, is being held under the theme ‘Making a Difference Together’ and will showcase the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation including the mental health initiative Heads Together, Harry’s Inivctus Games for injured service personnel, and United for Wildlife, a conservation initiative championed by Prince William.
Launched in 2011, the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, was set up by the two brothers as the main vehicle to pursue their charitable and philanthropic interests.
Unlike many older members of the Royal Family, who lend their name to good causes by agreeing to become a patron of a specific organisation or charity, William and Harry have decided to largely focus their efforts on causes they have a direct involvement with through their own charitable foundation.
After she and Harry, 33, marry, Miss Markle will become the fourth patron of the Foundation – which will then be known and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and whatever Dukedom the Queen bestows on Harry and his bride.
Today’s audience will be made up of invited guests, supporters of The Royal Foundation, organisations it is partnered with, beneficiaries – and, of course, the worldwide media.
As the star of US legal drama Suits, she frequently took part in televised script readings followed by question and answer sessions with journalists and members of the public
Their question and answer session will be hosted by BBC presenter and Radio 1 newsreader Tina Daheley.
Miss Daheley, 36, who found fame presenting the news and sport for Nick Grimshaw’s Radio 1 Breakfast Show, is seen as one of the up and coming stars of BBC journalism (having recently branched out into prime time television such as Panorama and Crimewatch) – although, fortunately for Meghan, she has said that: ‘I’m never going to be a Paxman and nor do I want to be.’
The ferociously hard-working daughter of first generation Asian parents, she has worked her way up the ranks of the BBC but is also friendly with celebrities such as Kate Moss.
Indeed, she is seen as having the ear of young people and knows how to talk to them – something that will have appealed greatly to William, Kate and Harry.
Feisty and opinionated, she has frequently spoken out of how young people don’t feel that current politicians are representing their views.
Other programmes represented at today’s event are the nationwide sporting apprenticeship scheme Coach Core, the veteran support organisation The Endeavour Fund, and the new Heads Together mentally healthy schools initiative.
Harry and his fiancée are due to walk down the aisle together at Windsor Castle on May 19, after which they will enjoy an open-topped carriage ride through the streets of the town to allow as many members of the public as possible to see them.
Invitations for the wedding are due to go out next week.