When Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex first joined the royal family, she was granted a number of patronages, including The Mayhew, an Animal Welfare Charity located in London. Over the years, as the Patron of this particular charity, she has done her part to bring awareness to the good work that the organization does, including making personal donations.
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the decision to step back as working royals in an effort to give more focus to their growing family, while also putting some distance between themselves and the media. That decision also meant stepping back from the charitable work that the couple did on behalf of the royal family. However, for the Duchess, her work with The Mayhew remained in place.
Now that 2021 is here and the year-long trial is near its end, it seems that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed their decision and have chosen not to return to the royal family as senior working royals. With this decision, also came news that all of their current roles would be stripped, including all of the Prince’s Military appointments. However, according to People Magazine, It seems Meghan Markle will in fact retain two of her patronages, Smart Works Charity and The Mayhew.
In the statement released by the couple after news broke they explained that they, “remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
Meghan Markle will remain the Patron of The Mayhew
Considering Meghan Markle has remained committed to her charitable work in different ways since the couple stepped back from their royal duties, it makes sense that even if her patronage of The Mayhew had been removed, she would likely have continued to offer them her support and charity.
No matter what you think of the couple’s decision to step back from being working royals, they have remained very outspoken about doing their part to “live a life of service,” even if that means doing it in their own way.
While it may be sad in some ways to consider what it means that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer senior members of the royal family, it will actually be interesting to see how they continue to support the charities they currently work with. We actually can’t wait to see what other charitable opportunities they take part in and if they continue to support the organizations that they have lost on a more official level.
At the end of the day, it is all about the charities themselves, and we can only hope that The Mayhew continues to benefit from the support of their Patron.
Were you surprised by the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were making their split from the royal family permanent? What do you think of the Duchess remaining the patron of The Mayhew? Tell us in the comments below.