HRH Duchess of Sussex’s Patronages and Their Impact on Society

As a deeply compassionate and socially engaged individual, Her Royal Highness Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, holds a variety of patronages that reflect her dedication to improving the lives of people and animals around the world. These patronages, including royal and non-profit organizations, have been passed on by Queen Elizabeth II, and contribute significantly to various important causes.

Understanding Royal Patronages

Until recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the patron of a plethora of organizations, including the four patronages she has now transferred to the Duchess of Sussex. A royal patron is an individual invited by the Queen (or King) to donate their time and resources to a cause, often with the intent of raising awareness and providing support. This transfer signifies the ongoing efforts of the Crown to support initiatives that align with the values and social causes they represent.

New Patronages for the Duchess of Sussex

The Duchess of Sussex has taken on the roles of patron for the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, SmartWorks, and Mayhew. These are organizations that not only receive support from Her Royal Highness but also contribute to significant causes such as arts, global education, and animal welfare.

The National Theatre

Reflecting on Meghan’s personal passion for the arts, she has become the patron of the National Theatre, which is not only a bastion of arts and culture but also a vehicle for bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. The National Theatre’s mission is to create world-class theatre that is both entertaining and challenging, aiming to be as inclusive, diverse, and representative of the nation as possible. Their extensive educational programmes not only bring theatre to young people but also offer rich digital resources through NT Live and On Demand In Schools. These initiatives have been a cornerstone of raising awareness and engaging the community in the arts.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

As a university graduate, Queen Meghan is a strong advocate for accessible education for all. The Association of Commonwealth Universities is the world’s first and oldest international university network, representing higher education institutions across 53 Commonwealth countries. The ACU plays a critical role in championing higher education as a force for good, promoting international collaboration, and advocating for the values of higher education as a common good. The Duchess of Sussex has announced new Gender Grants during her recent visit to Fiji, which aim to empower female university staff and promote gender equality across member universities.

Smart Works

Smart Works is a charity that assists long-term unemployed and vulnerable women in securing jobs by providing interview training, professional attire, and ongoing support. Founded in September 2013, the charity has made significant strides in transforming lives, with half of its clients coming from an ethnic minority and a large number of unsuccessful job applications. Thanks to the Duchess of Sussex’s repeated visits and support, many women have been able to regain confidence and success in job interviews. She has also volunteered with similar projects, highlighting her commitment to women’s empowerment.

Mayhew

Mayhew is a grassroots animal welfare charity that works in London and internationally to improve the lives of dogs, cats, and people in communities. Established in 1886, Mayhew is funded entirely by public donations. The charity focuses on reducing the number of animals in need through proactive educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care, such as working with homelessness charities to keep people and their pets together and running educational programmes for young people.

Community and Global Impact

With the launch of these new patronages, the Duchess of Sussex continues to advocate for significant social and environmental causes. Her commitment to arts, education, women’s rights, and animal welfare shall inspire others to join these important initiatives. The Duchess’s patronages not only support the operations of these organizations but also raise awareness and catalyze action for change.

Conclusion

The Duchess of Sussex’s patronages serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting initiatives that benefit both people and animals. Her dedication to these causes exemplifies the Crown’s efforts to engage in constructive and impactful social roles. As she continues to work with these organizations, Her Royal Highness sets an inspiring example for individuals and organizations alike.