Sussex Royal shares an unseen picture of a smiling Meghan joining the Smart Works photoshoot

The Sussex Royal Instagram account has shared a previously unseen picture of Meghan Markle taking part in a charity photoshoot.

Taking to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s profile today, the black and white behind-the-scenes snap sees Meghan, 38, smiling as she joins a group of laughing women taking part in the Smart Works shoot. 

The photogenic royal is seen wearing an oversized striped shirt with her sleeves rolled up, teamed with black skinny jeans and nude heels as she sits on the sidelines.

The post praised Smart Works, who were able to dress their 200th client with items from Meghan’s capsule collection, while the charity in return shared a post thanking the ‘inspiring’ Duchess for her help. 

It comes amid Meghan’s ongoing family drama, after she and Harry announced they would not be spending Christmas at Sandringham with the royals, following months of rumours of a rift with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  

The Sussexes yesterday confirmed that Archie’s first Christmas will be with his American grandmother Doria Ragland rather than at Sandringham with Harry’s elderly grandparents and senior royals.

On Monday the couple will start a six-week break from royal duties with a intimate Christmas together at their Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, most likely.

Her Majesty has given her grandson her full support but intriguingly royals sources said the monarch was in the dark about his festive plans until he called her at Buckingham Palace yesterday to decline her open invite.

William and Kate have missed Christmas at Sandringham twice since 2012, but Phil Dampier, author of Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan, told MailOnline today: ‘It’s very hard to see this as anything other than a snub to the Queen and the rest of the royal family. It shows there is a deep rift.

Meghan, seen in Chichester last month, was praised by Smart Works charity for being ‘inspiring’ in her help with the foundation

‘If Harry and Meghan wanted to heal the divisions they should have turned up at Sandringham. It’s a great shame but there seems to be a problem which is getting worse, not better’.

Posting the picture, the Sussex Royal account wrote: ‘Congratulations to Smart Works Charity who just yesterday, dressed their 200th client with items from The Smart Set! 

‘In September, this two week campaign launched and because of YOU and your commitment to giving back to the community, over 10,000+ items were purchased.

‘Using the 1:1 model, your contribution made a direct impact for Smart Works and the women mobilising back into the workforce.’

The post praised Smart Works, who were able to dress their 200th client with items from Meghan’s capsule collection, while the charity in return shared a post thanking the ‘inspiring’ Duchess for her help

It continues: ‘For every item you purchased, one was donated! You made this happen, and we are so thrilled to see you step up and be part of another woman’s success story. 

‘Your active generosity will give the women of Smart Works the tools and confidence boost they so deserve, accompanied by the valuable interview prep, guidance and mentorship Smart Works provides.

‘Thank you for your support, and well done for being a part of this success story!’.

Recognising the brand partner, it concludes: ‘The SmartSet capsule collection of workwear essentials was convened by HRH The Duchess of Sussex with leading UK clothing brands John Lewis, Misha Nonoo, Marks & Spencer, and Jigsaw.

‘Thanks to all who played a part in this special project! Above, a photo from The Duchess and Smart Works clients as they shot the campaign, and a photo of Smart Works women who have now been styled in the pieces as they prep for their job interviews!’.

Meanwhile Smart Works shared a post thanking the Duchess, writing: ‘Thank you to Sussex Royal and the Duchess for inspiring us all’. 

Posting the picture, the Sussex Royal account wrote: ‘Congratulations to Smart Works Charity who just yesterday, dressed their 200th client with items from The Smart Set!

Meghan privately visited Smart Works several times before being named as its royal patron in January and has a long-standing commitment to supporting women’s empowerment.

She announced her Smart Set collection benefiting the charity in her September issue of British Vogue, which was given the tagline ‘Forces For Change’.

The range has been created in collaboration with M&S, John Lewis, Jigsaw, and Meghan’s designer friend Misha Nonoo.

The range includes a £19.50 Marks & Spencer shift dress available in blue and black, a John Lewis £109 tote bag in tan and black – which has already sold out online – a £199 Jigsaw jacket, £120 Jigsaw trousers and a £125 white shirt by her matchmaking pal Misha Nonoo.

For every item bought during the sale of the collection, one was donated to Smart Works, which offers clothing and interview coaching to unemployed women.

Smart Works has helped more than 11,000 women and aims to dress 3,500 this year across their two London offices, and additional bases in Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading, Birmingham and Newcastle.

It has a team of 300 trained volunteers and 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.

Meanwhile Smart Works shared a post thanking the Duchess, writing: ‘Thank you to Sussex Royal and the Duchess for inspiring us all’.

The Duchess of Sussex (left) with Kate Stephens, CCEO of Smart Works at the launch the Smart Works capsule collection at John Lewis in Oxford Street in September