Another prominent charity has decided to end its formal association with the Duchess of Sussex, marking the second such organisation to distance itself from Meghan in the wake of unresolved bullying allegations.
Smart Works, a charity dedicated to helping unemployed women return to the workforce, has confirmed it will not be renewing its partnership with the Duchess. This decision comes just weeks after The Royal Foundation, the primary charitable vehicle of the Duke and Cambridge, made a similar move.
Unresolved Palace Probe
The separations occur against the backdrop of a Buckingham Palace investigation launched in 2021. The probe was initiated following complaints from staff members who alleged experiencing bullying behaviour during their time working for the Sussexes.
Despite the passage of time, the findings of this internal review have never been made public, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the allegations.
A Strategic Shift for Smart Works
In a statement regarding the decision, a spokesperson for Smart Works emphasised that the change was part of a natural evolution for the charity. They highlighted a strategic shift towards a 'coalition model' that involves partnerships with a wider range of corporations and brands, rather than relying on a single high-profile patron.
The spokesperson expressed gratitude for the Duchess's previous support, particularly her role in launching a clothing collection that benefited the charity. However, the move signals a clear desire to operate independently of the controversy surrounding the Sussexes.
A Pattern of Parting Ways
The decision by Smart Works follows a similar path taken by The Royal Foundation. After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior working royals in 2020, their charitable foundation was eventually dissolved and absorbed back into the main Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
These developments highlight the ongoing repercussions of the Sussexes' departure from royal duties and the lingering impact of the bullying allegations, which they have consistently and vehemently denied.
