Meghan Markle's First Royal Patronages Have Been Announced, and They're a Perfect Fit
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Meghan Markle is kicking off the new year with her first royal patronages! In January, the National Theatre officially declared the Duchess of Sussex as its new royal patron. "The National Theatre is honored to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex has become its Royal Patron. The patronage reflects Her Royal Highness's belief in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together," a statement on its website read. There had previously been buzz that Meghan was considering the National Theatre as a patronage after reports surfaced that she recently held a private meeting with National Theatre director Rufus Norris.
The National Theatre patronage was previously held by Queen Elizabeth II (she helped open the theater's building back in 1976), but she has passed it on to Meghan as a continuation of her efforts to scale back on her commitments and introduce the world to the new faces of the monarchy. The position also sounds like a perfect fit for Meghan, given that she was an actress before she became a royal. Oh, and let's not forget that she has a bachelor's degree in theater from Northwestern University.
But that's not the only patronage Meghan has taken on. The queen also passed over the patronage of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she held for 33 years. The duchess will also be patron for Mayhew, which "uses innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through proactive community, and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care," and Smart Works, which "helps long term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence and tools to succeed at job interviews, return to employment and transform their lives." We can't wait to see what else Meghan has in store for us this year!
— Additional reporting by Tori Crowther
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The National Theatre
The National Theatre has been passed on to Meghan after the queen's patronage of 45 years. The theater's mission is to, "make world class theater that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring for everyone and to be as inclusive, diverse and national as possible." Due to Meghan's background in theater, this is something close to her heart, and she is a, "strong believer in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together." In January, the duchess seemed totally in her element when she visited the organization.
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The Association of Commonwealth Universities
Another organization passed on from the queen after 33 years is The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which "is the world's first and oldest international university network and the only accredited organization representing higher education across all 53 Commonwealth countries." The organization is of particular interest to Meghan due to her being a "strong advocate of accessible education for all." In January, Meghan met with students and academics from the ACU's network of 500 university members. According to Kensington Palace, the ACU "helps to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds and improve lives."
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Smart Works
Following the duchess's interest in education for all, she's now a patron of Smart Works, which, "helps long-term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence and tools to succeed at job interviews, return to employment and transform their lives." Meghan has visited Smart Works on a number of occasions, and the charity says, "The Duchess will motivate ever more women to come to our centers and get the job that will transform their lives."
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Mayhew
Much like Prince Harry, Meghan is a big animal-lover, which is why she is now patron of Mayhew. "Established in 1886 and entirely funded by public donations Mayhew is an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and people in communities both in London and internationally." The charity also works "with homelessness charities across London to ensure people and their dogs can be kept together." After announcing her royal patronages, Meghan visited Mayhew in January, where she met some adorable pets and their owners.