Meghan Markle Steps Out in a Maternity Dress from Hatch for Her First Engagement of 2019
After nice break over the winter holidays, the Duchess of Sussex returned to work today, making her first public appearance of 2019. The previously unannounced engagement corresponded with this morning's news that Meghan will be taking on four patronages: London's National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Mayhew, and Smart Works.
"The Duchess of Sussex will become Patron of four organisations that reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare," reads the official statement.
While several of the charities were well-kept secrets, it was widely rumored that Meghan would succeed Queen Elizabeth to become the patron of the National Theatre. But today, Meghan is visiting Smart Works, a London-based organization which offer support to unemployed women.
Per an announcement on the royal family's website, "The Duchess has visited Smart Works several times over the last year where she has worked with many women who have benefited from the charity’s support, helping them through coaching and interview preparation."
This morning marks her first public interaction with the non-profit, and for the occasion, she wore a dress from Hatch, which she paired with an Oscar de la Renta coat, earrings from Kimai and printed heels.
The Sunday Times reports that Meghan plans to visit each of the announced organizations before taking her maternity leave later this spring following the birth of her first child.
According to Katie Nicholl, the Duchess plans to work well into her pregnancy. Per her recent story in Vanity Fair, "Meghan has told aides she wants to work as close to her due date next spring as possible."
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