Meghan Markle's Latest Move Hints at How She Loved This Aspect of Royal Life

In 2019, when Megan Markle selected four charity organizations that she wanted to be a royal patron of, and the animal welfare society, Mayhew Animal Home, was at the top of her list. As a beloved dog mom herself, the Duchess of Sussex was introduced to the operation through her late friend, Oli Juste, who passed away in 2022. 

While her patronage ended after a three-year term, her commitment to the organization did not. On the Sussex.com website, Meghan revealed that a new wing at their London facility was opened on Wednesday after she contributed money “to provide greater care for dogs in need.” The building addition was constructed in honor of her late friend and is named “The Oli Juste Wing.” Meghan wanted to make sure that Juste’s legacy of “unwavering love and commitment” to animals will never be forgotten. 

While many royal watchers haven’t paid attention to what became of Meghan’s patronages, she did not abandon them. She made it very clear in April 2022 in a statement posted on the charity’s website that “though my time as patron of Mayhew has come to a close, my unwavering support has not.” Her consistent support of philanthropy and activism has long been a part of her DNA, and it was a natural fit during her short-term in the royal family. It does make you think the greater impact she could have had at the palace had the situation not been so tumultuous. 

Mayhew isn’t the only organization she continued ties with, Meghan also has continued her work with Smart Works which prepares unemployed women with interview tips and wardrobe to get back on their feet. She most notably launched a capsule collection of women’s workwear in 2019 with Smart Works and is often a mentor to many of the women in the program to this day, offering handwritten notes of support and championing the cause’s 10th anniversary in 2023. 

“Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the unforgettable smile that comes across a woman’s face when she receives the Smart Works experience of care, inspiration, and empowerment. Something changes for her in that moment and sets her on a path she may never have thought possible,” she wrote in a post on the charity’s Instagram page. Celebrating you from across the pond and wishing you another amazing decade!”

Mayhew Animal Home and Smart Works were the only two royal patronages she was allowed to keep until the end of her term. Her other two patronages for the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities reverted back to the palace after she and Prince Harry exited the royal family in 2020.

Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.