Meghan Markle has shared photos of her afternoon tea with Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai in London, revealing that profits from her lifestyle brand will go towards the Malala Fund.
The lunch, at the luxury Mayfair hotel Claridge's, was the first time the Duchess of Sussex has been spotted in the capital since she and her husband Prince Harry moved back to the UK last month. The couple unexpectedly returned to the UK for an "extended period" of time at the end of August.
The pair have so far kept a low profile, but Meghan's lunch with Malala marked her first public outing since her relocation.
Collaboration with Malala Fund
The Duchess, 45, and Nobel prize laureate, 29, were first spotted at Claridge's in the background of a video captured by a group of friends who were drinking champagne at the hotel. This video was captioned: "POV: Claridge's decided to seat Meghan Markle and Malala in front of you."
Meghan and Malala were then snapped smiling as they left the Mayfair hotel after their afternoon tea. The Duchess of Sussex has now shared snaps from the lunch in an Instagram post and revealed that profits from the sale of the brand's jams and teas will go towards the Malala Fund - a non-profit that invests in girls' education.
In the social media post, Meghan wrote: "This International Day of the Girl, in partnership with Archewell Philanthropies, 100% of net proceeds from As Ever jams and teas will support Malala Fund and its vital work to ensure that every girl has access to free, safe, quality education. Tea for Two has never felt so good."
Tea and a catch-up between friends
The post also shared a quote from Meghan and Malala which said: "When we support the girls of today, we empower the women of tomorrow, Access to education is the key to unlocking this."
Malala and the Duchess posed together on a booth seat in the fancy dining room with a selection of scones and desserts on the table as the pair enjoyed tea. After the lunch, a source, according to People, said: "It was a chance for a catch-up between friends."
As Ever advent calendar debate
Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever has been at the centre of an odd fallout after the Duchess launched her first-ever advent calendar. This chocolate-filled festive calendar retails at £112 and was created in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés.
The eyewatering price has launched a debate after Anglican vicar Reverend Daniel French hit out at the cost. Reverend French instead highlighted a more affordable Christian advent calendar costing around £6, featuring Fairtrade chocolate and supporting charitable work through the Leprosy Mission.
Harry and Meghan are set to make their first joint public appearance since their relocation next week. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will appear together in Nottingham to visit CRS Nottingham before joining the women of the Grenfell Hubb Community Kitchen.
