Even before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, she was a patron of animals in need.
While just an actress, she adopted two “rescue pups” named Bogart and Guy.
And now, she’s officially a royal patron of the Mayhew, which tends to the needs of dogs, cats and their humans in the UK and abroad.
It’s one of four patronages announced by Kensington Palace Thursday.
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
“The Duchess has long understood the connection between animals and community welfare and has supported various animal rescue centres in Los Angeles,” the palace said in a statement.
The organization, founded in 1886 and run entirely with public donations, works to help dogs, cats and people around London and internationally. It does community outreach, education programs and offers preventative veterinary care.
Mayhew: The Duchess has long understood the connection between animals and community welfare.
@TheMayhew uses innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through proactive community, and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care.— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 10, 2019
“This includes working with homelessness charities across London to ensure people and their dogs can be kept together,” the palace added. “Running a Pet Refuge programme to provide shelter and care for the pets of people in crisis for short periods of time; and educating young people about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership.”
Around the globe, Mayhew works with governments, communities and charites in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India to help improve animal welfare.
Mayhew, of course, is over the moon to be selected.
We’re honoured to reveal that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex has become a Patron of Mayhew. 💜
We’re thrilled that HRH shares our commitment to improving the lives of animals and people, and are excited to make a difference together. 💜@KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/tJAmMbKS06— Mayhew (@themayhew) January 10, 2019
Mayhew’s CEO Caroline Yates said her organization couldn’t be more excited.
“Mayhew works to improve the lives of dogs, cats and the people in our community, tackling the root cause of animal abandonment and neglect and supporting vulnerable people to stay with their companion pets,” she said in a statement. “The Duchess has spent many years championing animal welfare, and we are honoured to have our charity represented by such a passionate Patron. We look forward to working closely with The Duchess and hope that, together, we can help even more animals and people.”
The other patronages go to the the National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Queen has held the roles for 45 and 33 years respectively.
The Duchess will also be a patron of Smart Works, which helps vulnerable women gain confidence and get back into the workforce.
The Duchess of Sussex arrives at @SmartWorksHQ and joins a discussion with volunteers and women they have helped succeed in job interviews.
So far, the charity has helped over 11,000 women and has plans to dress 3,500 women this year across the UK. pic.twitter.com/MvFnjUJHoo
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 10, 2019
It really speaks to her fashion sense, which has been on display even before she married Prince Harry.
In the @SmartWorksHQ Dressing Room, The Duchess helped Patsy style an outfit for her new job.
The award-winning charity helps unemployed women in their upcoming interviews by offering them an outfit to wear and 1:1 coaching. pic.twitter.com/BZHDK01FeF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 10, 2019
Main photo Kensington Palace/Twitter
