Recently, the Duchess of Sussex hosted a dinner for Afghan women who have relocated/immigrated to California. The dinner was just another moment of Meghan’s continuing work with Afghan refugees, many of whom helped American military and Coalition forces in the long-running war in Afghanistan. One of my favorite things the Sussexes ever did was travel to Task Force Liberty in New Jersey in 2021 and spend time with the refugees who had been evacuated out of Afghanistan. That trip was stage-managed by the military, and the Sussexes’ visit threw a huge spotlight on those refugees and the Amazon wishlists to get those families some essentials. Meghan and Harry now have a “Welcome Project” as part of Archewell, and Welcome Project teamed with Mina’s List to host this dinner a few weekends ago. Meghan allowed Marie Claire to have exclusive coverage of the dinner, and Meghan gave MC a real interview. Some highlights:
The Archewell Foundation’s Welcome Project. Launched in 2023, the initiative was created by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s foundation to support programs for women who have resettled in the United States from Afghanistan. There are currently 11 Welcome Project branches in nine states across the country, including one in San Antonio, which Prince Harry and Meghan visited in March. The Duchess of Sussex tells me that The Welcome Project “is that perfect example of seeing an immediate need and then saying, ‘Okay, how do you make this a much larger vision so it’s not just a short-term banding on a problem, but a long-term solution?’”
Communities coming together: The Duchess of Sussex says, “whatever cultures are different, whatever traditions are different, there’s actually so much we have in common. There’s a lot of joy in discovering each other’s new rituals too,” she says, a feeling many of us in the room experienced as we tried new foods and listened to the aforementioned poetry. Even though some of us don’t understand the language, the duchess notes that she feels the emotion behind their words as she listens to their hopes for a better future. “You find comfort in things you know, but you find so much community and connection in things you don’t know, as well.”
Working with the Hubb community in London: “With Hubb, that was 13 different countries represented. We were constantly learning from each other.” She says that while some of the foods she’s used to eating were “very different” to the women in the kitchen, they “loved being able to talk about that. It’s a great icebreaker. And then through that, it kind of becomes the background to a much deeper connection.” She points out that some other groups use activities like sewing or playing board games versus cooking, but that those things form bonds focused on “what actually matters.”
She loves the holidays: “I love the holidays,” the Duchess of Sussex says, sharing that Archie and Lilibet are now “three and five, so every year it gets better.” She muses that “at first, I think as a mom with children you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet. But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.”
A low-key Thanksgiving: As for Thanksgiving, she says that the Sussexes are “always pretty low-key,” and Meghan tells me that “being close to my mom is great,” referring to her mother, Doria, who is also based in California. “I was thinking about, in the past few years of having Thanksgiving here, like many of us, I think you always make sure there’s room at the table for your friends who don’t have family, which is really key,” she shares. One such friend is none other than feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who Markle tells me “came for Thanksgiving” one year.
The holidays are about more than food: “We’re always making sure we have something fun to do,” the Duchess of Sussex says. “Like any other family you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games, all the same stuff, someone brings a guitar—fun. Every single holiday is a new adventure,” she says, stressing that it’s important for her that Archie and Lilibet can experience the “magic” of traditions like “great recipes that they end up connecting to a formative memory” at Thanksgiving and putting out “carrots for the reindeer” at Christmas.
Archewell’s Welcome Project sounds great, and I’m glad they’re working with a group like Mina’s List. Of course Meghan goes above and beyond to create communities with refugees and women from other countries too – Meghan has experienced that first-hand, being a stranger in a strange land, and her wealth and privilege didn’t save her from feeling isolated and alone. I loved that she answered some questions about the holidays too – I hope Archie and Lili have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas. Archie in particular is at the right age to have an amazing Christmas.
Speaking of the Sussex babies, this is how the Daily Mail covered MC’s exclusive: “Admitting she loved the holiday season, the Duchess revealed that seeing it through the eyes of the King’s grandchildren made it increasingly special, saying ‘every year it gets better.’ Prince Harry’s wife also said she ‘can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.’” LMAO. “The king’s grandchildren” – who is the mother of the king’s grandchildren? This reminds me of when Meghan was hanging out in the VIP section of Beyonce’s concert last year, and suddenly all of the coverage was Britain trying to claim Meghan as their own, that Meghan belongs to them (and her children apparently belong to Charles).
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Marie Claire’s IG.
- LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits the Hubb Community Kitchen to see how funds raised by the ‘Together: Our Community’ Cookbook are making a difference at Al Manaar, North Kensington on November 21, 2018 in London, England.,Image: 534664062, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR SEVEN DAYS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon
- LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has a drink as she visits the Hubb Community Kitchen to see how funds raised by the ‘Together: Our Community’ Cookbook are making a difference at Al Manaar, North Kensington on November 21, 2018 in London, England.
- LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits the Hubb Community Kitchen to see how funds raised by the ‘Together: Our Community’ Cookbook are making a difference at Al Manaar, North Kensington on November 21, 2018 in London, England.
Yes, I’m sure Meghan thinks of HER and Harry’s children foremost as “the king’s grandchildren”. Their children likely have only a vague concept of KC.
Their kids can’t pick KC out of a lineup.
And if they saw KC in his current state they would probably run screaming from the room, because he looks like something from a haunted house exhibit.
Referring to Meghan and calling HER children “the king’s grandchildren” is disturbing. Someone at BP erased her name from Archie’s birth certificate, replacing it with her title only (unlike Harry’s). That family does the most to erase her whenever they can.
Charles wants nothing to do with them.
Respectfully, I disagree. Charles wants very little to do with them, but he doesn’t want to be seen as a (complete) racist. He does want it know that he’s their (distant) grandfather. It makes him look (superficially) a bit better.
AS Archie is the sixth heir to the throne the King is officially his guardian, and when he dies Lilibet will be the sixth heir and William will be official guardian to both of them.
@sunnyside That “guardian” thing is BS. It isn’t a law. It was a royal prerogative set up by Geo I to control his grandchildren’s education and marriage. It would not hold up in court.
@Sunnyside….Archie and Lilli are American citizens. They will never be under the “Guardian ship” of Willie.
Charles had years to see them.
What a great interview and a little bit about her children. She is doing great things without having to go to the press to say look at me doing great things she just goes out there and does the work. Will we see a fake interview from Can’t or a surprise photo op.
I just love that Meghan maintains her support for women. She truly epitomizes a “giver.” She left “takers” behind when she returned to California, her home state. Happy to see her enjoying herself with those women who have been through so much.
That article referenced is a perfect example of trolling.
Yeah, I love that about Meghan. She also thinks of those without family.
When the BM is not crying about Harry not mentioning the Windsors, they’re adding chucky’s grandchild(ren) that he evicted.
“Admitting she loved the holiday season, the Duchess [etc.]” “Admitting”?! Damn, one gets the feeling there were guns, hot lights and threats of arrest involved in that admission. BM, heal thyself, or better yet, seek some help.
They always write super normal things with the negative bent, that’s because they know that most people don’t read the full article they only read the headline and they want to definitely present a certain sort of impression. That’s why it’s always they, “broke cover”, had ” fresh blows”, were ” snubbed, or humiliated”, and now their favorite is ” separation” whenever an adult couple isn’t joined at the hip for work or fun. That’s why so much of the domestic UK audience has a negative impression of them. If the only information you read about someone use those words in the title what would you think? Then compare it to the hagiography that the Wales’ especially Kate gets.
‘Seen for the first time since…’ the dog died, the car had a flat tire, the World Cup, attended the Wimbledon finals, finished chemo. They’re such a bunch of weirdos, those rota rat writers.
This visit happened in October and is just now being shared. It’s a testimony to how Harry and Meghan take care of what’s most important to them.
And could it be that couriers caught wind of the story breaking on Friday and added that last minute Kate Early Years meeting to her calendar?
I really love the Welcome Project initiative & hope it can continue to expand. I hope the women participating are finding great connections & love that the women got cookware to take home.
This was a great read of the event. Who knew that was possible with royal reporting
My husband took part in the New Jersey resettlement project and was there from day one and saw/learned so much. They really built a whole functioning settlement out of nothing. They made “stores” to give the refugees the opportunity to pick out their own clothes, toys, and coats.
His “day off” happened to be the day that Harry and Meghan came and had lunch with everyone there and he missed it completely. I still want to smack him on the shoulder!
The BM threw in that bit about the “king’s grandchildren” to make it sound like it’s Meghan’s fault they don’t know Charles. It’s Charles’ fault Archie and Lili don’t know him: he took away a home for them in the UK and he took six months to have their titles prince and princess to be awarded to them instead of when he became king.
Charles signed off on his coronation to be
held on Archie’s birthday and didn’t
acknowledge them then. Bulliam didn’t
want Lili christened at Windsor. They gave lame excuses for not coming to her christening in the States. (It was then when Lili was announced as Princess Lilibet around the christening the Sussex kids got thier
titles.) It breaks my heart that the day will come the children will be old enough to read the horrible things the BM has written about their parents, and learn what the BRF has done to them. Harry and Meghan will not leave out what the rotten Markles have done. The good news is it seems like the Sussex kids are surrounded by loving family members and friends to give them a foundation of love and security. In the end they are better off without those toxic relatives. When they turn 18 they can make the choice if they want to see either side, and if it takes 13-15 years for that to happen it’s the Windsors’ and the Markles’ faults.
Very well said. Thank you.
I’m sure if the children expressed an interest, H&M wouldn’t make them wait till 18 to make a decision. The hold-up would likely be on the other side.
I will be interested to see if the Wales kids want to someday meet their aunt and uncle in California. They could learn a lot from both of them — things they’ll never learn from their parents.
Such as true compassion. Substantive action. Generosity of spirit. Heart.
Don’t forget open-heartedness, and work ethic!
@QuiteContrary – They might learn true empathy too.
The Afghan Women are a very very important cause, I wonder if she’s reached out to Malala who has also been very involved lately.
What I liked about the article is it highlighted how educated and accomplished these women were in their country. They had meaningful, professional jobs so hope events like this not only give them a sense of community and bonding, but a way to connect professionally as well. After her lonely and hostile experience in the UK, and feeling the welcome and refuge from the women of the Hubb kitchen, this is Meghan’s way of paying it forward.
The king’s grandchildren? You mean the ones he ignores? SMDH.
This is a sweet event and I love hearing that it’s actually in multiple states. Also love how Meghan gives access to reporters she trusts and ones that makes sense. Having a women’s mag like Marie Claire at this event makes sense.
@jais, I didn’t pay attention to the fact that it’s a women’s mag. That really is a thoughtful touch.
I love this project.
it was a great article, i like what Meghan is doing taking a style and carrying it through first the hubb now the welcome project. Shame that Archie has stopped believing is santa, i reckon i was about 7 or 8 when i stopped believing
I didn’t think the article said that Archie had stopped believing in Santa? Did I miss something?
I thought leaving carrots for the reindeer says they still believe in Santa?
Are you like the BM? making up your own stuff.
I wish people would stop lying about what comes out of Meghan’s mouth.
@LILI. I took it meant the reporter’s (MC article writer’s) son not believing in Santa, not Archie? That’s my takes from reading the MC article.
Meghan, Harry & the Archewell team really did a lot of good things in the short time Archewell was established. Kudos to them.
One of the things I love about Meghan is her consistency…this is so lovely! I hope to see Meghan at IG25…I can’t wait!
Those cretins who are agitating for M to be excluded from IG (when theyre not agitating for it to be “taken” from H – LOL) are revealing that they dont have a clue about a critical element of the the IG Foundation. And that is: the support of Family and the integral role that family members of WIS veterans play in their rehabilitation and the Foundation itself………..meaning: the Wounded, Injured or Sick veteran is afforded the opportunity to rehabilitate him/herself via the Games and other services and a core part of that process is the support of spouses and children.
So why on gods green earth would THE. FOUNDER. of the Invictus Games Foundation NOT involve his own spouse and (eventually) his children in the organization that helped so much to give him back his purpose for living.
In fact, ive noticed that at each Games, M’s role in the Family-and-Friends part of the event, has become bigger and bigger, much of which is behind the scenes, which of course is where the family-and-friends events take place. But we’ve caught glimpses of some of theses events at each of the Games.
Of course, this is not surprising because M is not the one to sit by and be entertained when she believes she could be more useful.
I have a very strong feeling that both Archie & Lili will be at the Whistler/Vancouver Games and that the family just might detour a bit, after the Games, to retrace their steps to the place where their life of freedom began.
Charles doesn’t claim Archie and Lili and the DM knows it. Anyway, I enjoyed the article and it’s good that Meghan is carrying on with the work she started in the UK.
The measure of Meghan really can be found in the causes for which she advocates. The causes are not always glamorous or easy. She wants to see other women flourish. Her heart is true.
I would not appreciate being characterized in a National Publication as “having no family”, and to have been given a seat at your Thanksgiving Table under the category of “Someone Who Has No Family”. I especially would not appreciate that characterization if I was as esteemed and well-connected a person as Gloria Steinem.
Meghan talked about creating traditions for her kids and building upon them year after year. Sounds like she just answered 20 years’ worth of the BM’s dramatic “Will the Sussexes come to the UK this Christmas?” question, didn’t she? And in the most low-key way possible. Love it!
What a marvelous event. It’s obvious that events and causes like this are so important to Meghan and she’s so obviously in her element. She is consistent in her causes and her support. Was a good interview and love how she is talking about her family’s traditions that she is establishing with their kids. It’s weird how the Mail spun it as the Kings grandchildren, Prince Harry’s wife. She looked great. Both Sussexes are busy with do much going on. Can you imagine their Outlook calendar?!
A friend of mine who follows some sus instagram people sent me a NY post article saying “Meghan Markle Breaks Silence about Professional Separation from Harry.” It was about a statement on the archewell site about this event…. no mention of anything to do with harry. Sigh. The media just wants to tear them down.
People need to realize that the NY Post is a right wing tabloid not read nationally. Anything that this paper print has a right wing bend to it. This is not a national newspaper. This paper is very much part of the culture wars very New York oriented.
The main two tabloid newspapers in NY are NY Post which is conservative and the NY Daily News which is moderate-liberal hence be aware when quoting or reading them.