Mumbai slum cause among royal wedding beneficiaries

Harry and Meghan select seven organisations to receive donations

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have chosen a Mumbai slum foundation visited by the actress to be one of seven organisations nominated to receive wedding donations from well-wishers.

Harry and his fiancée have asked those thinking of marking their royal nuptials with a gift to instead give the money to the good causes which cover a number of issues from women’s empowerment to homelessness and HIV.

The list also includes the Wilderness Foundation UK, which works across Scotland to introduce urban youngsters to rural life at places such as the Atholl and Angus estates.

Kensington Palace said the couple picked organisations that reflected their shared values and represented a range of issues they were passionate about, but they do not have any formal relationship with the seven organisations.

Ms Markle visited the Myna Mahila Foundation last year, which supports working women in Mumbai’s urban slums and aims to breaks taboos around menstrual hygiene.

Writing about her experiences in Time magazine the US actress said: “97% of the employees of Myna Mahila live and work within the slums, creating a system which as, Nobel Peace prize nominee Dr Jockin Arputham shared with me, is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and allowing access to education.

“In addition, the women’s work opens the dialogue of menstrual hygiene in their homes, liberating them from silent suffering, and equipping their daughters to attend school.”

Suhani Jalota, who founded Myna Mahila in 2015, said: “Myna Mahila Foundation is delighted to be a part of this special occasion for Ms Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

“This support will enable us to expand our reach into more urban slums in Mumbai, empowering local women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities.”

Picture: PA. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.