Duchess Meghan’s Patronage: A Closer Look at Her Work with ACU, Mayhew Animal Charity, and The National Theatre

Since marrying into the British royal family, Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, has been given several patronages by Queen Elizabeth II. These patronages reflect Meghan’s personal interests and passions, and she has been actively involved in their work. While her work with SmartWorks has been widely publicized, she has also been working with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Mayhew Animal Charity, and The National Theatre. Let’s take a closer look at her involvement with these organizations.

Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

The ACU is the world’s first and oldest international university network, and the Queen passed this patronage to Meghan in 2019. The Duchess, who is a strong advocate for education, has since visited several ACU member universities to meet with students and academics. She has also participated in roundtable discussions on issues such as climate change and gender equality in education.

• In January 2019, Meghan visited the University of London where she met with students from the Commonwealth now studying in the UK.
• In October 2019, during the royal tour of South Africa, she visited the University of Johannesburg to discuss the challenges faced by young women in accessing higher education.

Mayhew Animal Charity

As a lifelong animal lover, Meghan was a natural fit for the patronage of Mayhew, a London-based animal welfare charity. She has visited the charity several times, meeting with staff, volunteers, and the animals they care for.

• In January 2019, Meghan visited Mayhew’s animal shelter in London, where she met with staff, volunteers, and residents.
• In July 2019, she wrote the foreword for Mayhew’s annual review, highlighting the importance of the charity’s work.

The National Theatre

As a former actress, Meghan’s patronage of The National Theatre is a nod to her previous career. She has visited the theatre several times, meeting with actors and directors, and watching performances.

• In January 2019, Meghan visited the National Theatre in London, where she watched a performance by children from local schools.
• In March 2019, she attended a panel discussion with actors and directors to discuss issues facing the theatre industry.

In conclusion, Meghan has been actively involved in her patronages, using her platform to highlight their work and advocate for the issues they care about. Despite stepping back from royal duties, she and Prince Harry have stated their intention to continue supporting their patronages, reflecting their ongoing commitment to these causes.