Meghan Markle reveals her visit to dog rescue centre two weeks ago

The Duchess of Sussex made a secret visit to an animal welfare charity during her short visit to London two weeks ago, her aides revealed today.

Meghan Markle visited The Mayhew centre in Kensal Green, North West London, to hear about the ‘incredible progress made throughout the festive period’.

The Sussex Royal Instagram account posted two photographs this morning of her during a visit to the centre, where she has been a patron for a year.

The post came at a strategic moment, after the Duchess of Cambridge launched a landmark national survey in Britain about the early years development of children.

The timing was noted by several people commenting on the post, with Liyana Ali saying: ‘Someone is so insecure that every time the Cambridges or Kate is out for an important engagement they’ve posted on the exact same day. Coincidence?’

Another, @xmaurxx, said: ‘So you had these pictures for almost a month but released them during the release of Kate’s project? Interesting.’

And a third, @p_hello123, posted: ‘Hmm. The timing of this post, even though the visit has passed already, is very interesting.’

The Sussex Royal Instagram account posted two pictures of her during a visit to the centre

But others praised Meghan, with @icklenoni calling her an ‘inspiration and supported more than you could ever know’ and Kadie Rodgers saying she is ‘incredible’.

Meghan was also hailed for making a ‘real and positive impact for every patronage you’ve worked with’ and for being a voice for dogs and cats without homes. 

The pictures were also revealed ahead of a Channel 5 interview with her estranged father Thomas Markle, which is critical of her and is due to air at 9pm tonight.

Meghan had been in London for a few days before returning to Vancouver Island, where she had been staying with Prince Harry and son Archie over Christmas.

The Instagram post mentioned the ‘incredible progress made throughout the festive period’

The @SussexRoyal Instagram post said: ‘Earlier this month, The Duchess of Sussex popped in to see the amazing people at Mayhew to hear about the incredible progress made throughout the festive period.

‘The Duchess of Sussex, having been proud patron of Mayhew since January 2019 and long understanding the connection between animal and community welfare, applauds the people at Mayhew for the vital work that they do every day.

‘From cats and dogs who have found new homes to animal welfare cases handled in the community – The Mayhew believes in the power of togetherness and the special bond between humans and animals.’

The Duchess will continue to be a patron of the centre despite announcing on January 8 that she would be stepping down as a senior royal along with Harry.

The timing as Kate revealed her survey was noted by several people commenting on the post

 

Caroline Yates, chief executive of The Mayhew, told MailOnline: ‘We were delighted to see our Patron recently during a private visit where we caught up about recent progress, Mayhew’s upcoming work and the year ahead.

‘The Duchess of Sussex has long championed animal welfare and we are delighted that with Her Majesty The Queen’s blessing she will continue as our Patron.

‘We look forward to continuing to work together to help more animals and people.’

Ms Yates also gave Meghan her backing earlier this week, saying: ‘The Duchess of Sussex has long championed animal welfare. 

Others praised Meghan, with Kadie Rodgers saying she will ‘always be an incredible person’, and @icklenoni saying she is an ‘inspiration and supported more than you could ever know’

‘We are delighted that, with Her Majesty The Queen’s blessing, she will continue as our patron. We look forward to continuing to work together to help more animals and people.’

Meghan, an advocate of adopting rescue dogs, chose animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her first patronages.

She previously visited the shelter in January 2019, and was introduced to Maggie, a one-year-old Jack Russell who was up for adoption on the charity’s website.

The duchess picked up Maggie when she saw her shivering, and clutched her to her chest as she chatted to Mayhew staff, who told her about the charity’s projects in India and Afghanistan.

During their engagement interview in 2017, Harry revealed that the Queen’s corgis quickly took a shine to his future wife.

The Duchess of Cambridge launches a UK survey on early childhood in Birmingham yesterday

He said: ‘The corgis took to you straight away. I’ve spent the last 33 years being barked at; this one walks in, absolutely nothing…’

Describing the moment, Meghan said: ‘Just laying on my feet during tea, it was very sweet.’ And Harry added: ‘Just wagging tails and I was just like argh.’ 

Mayhew was founded in 1886 and today sees itself as an animal welfare social worker, keeping cats and dogs, whether family pets or companions for the homeless, safe and well alongside their owners, and supporting communities.

It has a pet refuge service, provides vet services for vulnerable owners, and has a team of animal welfare officers who work with local residents helping local communities.

Meghan went to the animal centre while in London two weeks ago during a trip that also saw her visit Canada House with Harry for a public engagement.

Harry joined Meghan and Archie in Canada on Monday night after arriving on a WestJet plane on Vancouver Island as they prepare to live a more private life.

Vancouver Island, an area known for its outstanding natural beauty, is off Canada’s west coast and is part of the province of British Columbia.

Harry arrived in Canada hours after meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson and world leaders at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in South East London.

This is likely to be one of his few remaining official engagements before he and Meghan take their ‘leap of faith’ and leave the monarchy in the spring.

Meghan took son Archie and her dogs Oz and Guy for a walk on Vancouver Island on Monday

The duke gave an emotional speech on Sunday night, saying he had ‘no other option’ but to give up his official royal duties and forge a new life in Canada.

In the speech in London, Harry told invited guests: ‘What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.

‘Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.’

The Sussexes had wanted to remain as working royals, although not prominent members, and drop their public funding to become financially independent.

Harry smiles after arriving at Victoria Airport on Vancouver Island in Canada on Monday night

However, critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.

Meanwhile, Kate has described early years development as life’s most ‘crucial’ moment for ‘future health and happiness’ as she launched a survey about the issue.

Kate travelled to Birmingham yesterday to highlight her ambitious project to ask ‘five big questions on the under fives’ which will guide her future work.

The online poll, by Ipsos Mori for the Royal Foundation, is thought to be the biggest survey of its kind and aims to encourage a UK-wide conversation on early childhood.

The visit came in the week Harry and Meghan went to Canada House in London on January 7

Kate began a 24-hour tour yesterday which will also see her visit the likes of Cardiff and Surrey to launch the initiative today.

In Birmingham, she joined a group of youngsters at an interactive attraction and chatted to health professionals, fellow parents and supporters of her project. 

In Switzerland today, Prince Charles will launch a project to help financial markets become more sustainable during a visit to the World Economic Forum.

Charles will highlight his Sustainable Markets Council during a brief visit to the Swiss resort town of Davos. He will then travel on to Israel and Palestine for an official trip.