Meghan ready to meet the nation
FUTURE royal Meghan Markle has given up her current charitable commitments and will focus on getting to know the UK and touring the country with Prince Harry.
The American star, who has worked with World Vision Canada and as a UN women’s advocate, has stepped away from the roles in order to start her royal life with a ‘clean slate.’
The former Suits actress, who will wed the Queen’s grandson at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in May, will join Harry in travelling around different towns and cities ahead of the wedding.
“She wants to spend this time learning about the UK,” Harry’s communications Secretary Jason Knauf said.
“This is the country that’s going to be her home now and that means travelling around, getting to know the towns and cities and smaller communities.”
Her introduction to the UK begins with an away day to Nottingham on Friday, her first official engagement.
Meghan’s commitment to becoming a full-time royal was clear when the Palace confirmed she will become the fourth patron of the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry after the wedding.
It is likely to be renamed, depending on which dukedom Harry is given on the morning of his wedding by his grandmother the Queen. The Foundation is behind programmes such as the Heads Together mental health campaign.
Mr Knauf said Meghan – who will be baptised and confirmed in the Church of England – was behind the decision to end her current charitable work before beginning work with the Royal Foundation and carving out her own charitable interests.
“Ms Markle is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that she has had,” he said. “She has, through the organisations, been able to meet incredible smaller organisations right around the world. But she has made the decision that she wants to start with a clean slate and focus on the UK, and getting to know this country and travelling around the Commonwealth.”
Meghan’s future sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, has said she was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to learn of the engagement.
Kate spoke of her joy during a visit to the Foundling Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery the Foundling Hospital, in central London.
“It’s such exciting news. It’s a really happy time for any couple and we wish them all the best,” she said.
However, Meghan will have to leave one of her beloved dogs behind in the US.
She has said farewell to Bogart – a Labrador-shepherd mix – who has been permanently re-homed with close friends.
Her beagle Guy is now in Britain, although Kensington Palace declined to comment on whether the animal was still in quarantine.
“Bogart is now living with very good friends and Guy is now in the UK,” Mr Knauf revealed.