Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle

She is graceful, she emits strength and love, and she stands for what she believes in. She is a woman. She is Meghan Markle. Last year, the entire world watched as Meghan walked down the aisle to her literal prince. Now, nearly an entire year later, Meghan and Harry are expecting their first child at any moment. Throughout her experience as a Duchess, even as a pregnant one, Meghan has been verbally assaulted by numerous sources, including her own family, yet when she steps out she smiles at the people, gives to them, and aspires love within them.

According to a popular Instagram account called @harry_meghan_updates, Meghan and her husband’s giving natures have inspired many around the world to donate to four different organizations including The Lunchbox Fund, Campaign for Female Education, WellChild, and Baby2Baby, adding the tag #GlobalSussexBabyShower in honor of the Sussex’s soon-to-arrive baby. Additionally, as a Duchess, Meghan is a Patron of several organizations that she has a personal interest in including The National Theater, The Association of Commonwealth Universities, Mayhew, and Smart Works.

According to Elle, "The National Theater works to create “world-class theater that is entertaining, challenging, and inspiring–and to make it for everyone.”

“The Association of Commonwealth Universities” is “the only organization representing higher education across all 53 Commonwealth countries”,“Mayhew” “uses innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through [the] proactive community, educational initiatives, and preventative veterinary care,” and

“Smart Works” “helps long term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence, and tools to succeed at job interviews, return to employment, and transform their lives (Bailey “Meghan Markle’s First 4 Patronages Were Just Announced by the Palace”).”

Despite being a Duchess of British Royalty that is based on traditionalist thought and behavior rather than modernistic thought and behavior, the Duchess remains true to her values, supporting causes that are dear to her heart even when they may take a stance for a modern idea, especially when speaking out for the equality of women. Meghan is even known to have said that, “Women do not need to find their voice. They need to feel empowered to use it, and people need to be encouraged to listen to it.”

On a less serious note, the Duchess has sported the color black for many of her outfits–très chic, might I add–even though the color is mostly known for (amongst the Royals, that is) situations involving grief. Though an untraditional choice in clothing color is not the most revolutionary act, Meghan, as the newest, the most modern-minded, and the sole biracial member of the royal family, has the world’s focus. So, when she goes out she’s got the world’s eyes on her and her clothes. Additionally, it should be noted, that an outfit is never really just an outfit in any world, especially in that of the world of a royal.

According to Woman and Home, during her wedding, Meghan’s veil, “[held] a special significance: made of silk tulle, it was embroidered with 53 individual flowers representing each of the countries of the Commonwealth (Hughes, The Significance Behind Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress)."

Every fashion choice is meticulously chosen with the knowledge that people are watching. Meghan’s choice to break royal protocol in wearing black outfits is not a faux pas, it is a sign of a better and more accepting age in which you wear what you want to wear, you speak for your beliefs, and your actions towards others are worth more than your social status.

Let’s all take a page from the Meghan Markle handbook and do our part in creating a kinder and more enlightened world.

As the saying goes, “spread the love.”

Cheers,

Joann