The Duchess of Sussex has finally revealed the reason behind her high-profile meeting with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai at London's Claridge's hotel on 7 October.
On Sunday, Meghan's As Ever brand shared two personal photographs of the mother-of-two enjoying afternoon tea with the education activist, with scones, pastries and cakes placed on the table in front of the pair.
Sharing a quote from the pair, the caption read: "'When we support the girls of today, we empower the women of tomorrow. Access to education is the key to unlocking this.' – Meghan, Duchess of Sussex & Malala Yousafzai'."
It also announced a new partnership between the pair: "This International Day of the Girl [11 October], in partnership with Archewell Philanthropies, 100% of net proceeds from As Ever jams and teas will support Malala Fund and its vital work to ensure that every girl has access to free, safe, quality education. Tea for Two has never felt so good. Shop at asever.com."
© Instagram / @meghanThe products include Meghan's signature fruit spreads and boxes of herbal tea.
The Malala Fund was founded by the Pakistani activist in 2013 to ensure 12 years of free, safe and quality education for all girls, and operates in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Brazil, Tanzania, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Meghan and Malala previously teamed up for a virtual conversation in 2020 to mark International Day of the Girl, as they spoke about the barriers to education faced by young women.
After their conversation, Malala wrote on social media: "Meghan and I are on the same page: we both believe that when girls have access to education, everyone wins."
© YouTubeTheir meeting at Claridge's in Mayfair marked Meghan's first high-profile appearance since she and Prince Harry moved back to the UK over the summer with their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
The Duchess looked elegant in pleated white Ralph Lauren trousers with a matching knitted top and a camel coat from British brand Tove, wearing her hair in a slick bun.
Autumn plans and Christmas festivities
The collaboration between Meghan and Malala comes amid reports that the Duke and Duchess will carry out their first joint engagements in the UK next week.
According to The Times, the couple will travel to Nottingham next Thursday to visit Community Recording Studio (CRS), where they will watch an acting workshop, before joining members of the Hubb Community Kitchen at the Himmah food bank.
© GettyThe Hubb Community Kitchen was set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which claimed 72 lives in June 2017, and Meghan has been a long-time supporter of the group.
The Sussexes will also visit Epic Partners, which supports young people through sports programmes and mentoring.
HELLO! also understands that the couple are likely to spend Christmas with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, and skip the traditional royal family gathering at Sandringham.
