Meghan Markle has stepped out for her first engagement of 2019, with the duchess visiting one of her new patronages.
The 37-year-old pregnant royal visited Smart Works, which helps vulnerable and longterm unemployed women regain the skills and confidence to get into work.
At Smart Works, beneficiaries can be provided with complete outfits of high quality clothes for job interviews, have access to one-to-one interview training and the opportunity to join Smart Works Network, furthering their professional and personal development.
It is just one of the four patronages Meghan was handed down from Queen Elizabeth II.
Meghan wore the ‘Eliza Dress’ by Hatch, her first venture into maternity wear.
The $218 black midi-length dress features a subtle ribbed crew neckline detail and is made of stretch cotton viscose knit.
The New York-based maternity brand has also been worn by Rachel Weisz, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba and Reese Witherspoon.
Shortly after Meghan’s pregnancy was announced, Hatch founder Ariane Goldman joked to the Hollywood Reporter: “Do you know anyone who knows Meghan Markle?”
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In true Meghan fashion, the duchess topped off her look with a swing coat in cotton-twill by Oscar De La Renta and pulled her hair into a slick bun.
She also wore the “Felicity” earrings from the ethical jewellery brand, Kimai.
Throughout the engagement, Meghan spoke with staff members and met women who have benefited from the charity’s support.
She then helped find outfits for women attending their second dressing and sat in on interview coaching and preparation.
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This was not Meghan’s first time visiting the organisation.
It was revealed during her visit that she had secretly been meeting with women at the centre, giving coaching before job interviews and helping pick out outfits.
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Chairwoman Juliet Hughes-Hallett told reporters, “She’s been to see us privately a number of times and was very hands-on, not just with the clothes but with the interviews.
“She has fantastic empathy and has been helping to coach some of our clients. She’s a natural and has already made a big difference.”
To date, Smart Works has helped over 11,000 women and aims to dress 3,500 women this year across their two London offices, and additional bases in key cities across the U.K. — Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading, Birmingham and Newcastle.
On Jan. 10. it was announced Meghan would also become a patron of the National Theatre, The Association of Commonwealth Universities and the animal welfare charity Mayhew.
The organisations are all national and “part of the fabric of the UK,” the palace said.
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