Duchess Meghan Markle Named Patron of Four Organizations

The Duchess of Sussex will become Patron of four organisations that reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare. pic.twitter.com/tU9QWDlPyH
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 10, 2019

Kensington Palace announced Thursday that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has been named patron to four civic minded organizations that have a focus on he arts, education, animals, women and children.

The National Theatre, Association of Commonwealth Universities, Mayhew and Smart Works will now be represented by the Duchess. It was detailed that Markle has been spending time with the different groups over the past year. In a nod to perhaps the confidence her Majesty has for the expecting royal, Queen Elizabeth passed on two of her duties.

Her Majesty The Queen has passed on two Patronages to The Duchess of Sussex – @NationalTheatre and @The_ACU. The Queen has held the roles for 45 and 33 years respectively.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 10, 2019

The newly minted Duchess took the opportunity to visit Smart Works office in London later in the day. She met with the staff and with women who have been the beneficiary of the charity’s outreach. She also indulged in a bit of fun and helped find outfits for women who were there for interview coaching and preparation. Markle first met with Smart Works last year ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry. She has since visited five times.

Watch: Princess Meghan talking about how @SmartWorksHQ builds confidence through help with clothes and coaching (📹@byEmilyAndrews ) pic.twitter.com/TkdyqXtzGK
— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) January 10, 2019

Watch: Meghan has fun as she helped out @SmartWorksHQ this morning (📹@byEmilyAndrews ) pic.twitter.com/iiNgaYQsll
— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) January 10, 2019

The palace also said that Markle will pay a visit to Mayhew on Wednesday Jan. 16. She will engage with the staff, volunteers and hear more about the animals rights group initiatives and explain how she will be of service in her new role.

Markle is expected to keep a robust schedule of public events until she nears her due date in the spring. She and her husband, Prince Harry, are expecting their first child. The two wed last May.