Meghan Markle sends personalised notes to women starting new jobs
Meghan Markle has written personal notes to several women either looking for new jobs or starting work as she marked International Women's Day.
Meghan is patron of Smart Works, a charity which supports women getting back into work, and has retained the link with the organisation despite stepping back as a senior royal.
To mark International Women's Day she sent four "thoughtful notes" to some of the clients of Smart Works, which the charity said were "written with kindness and care".
One note, to a client who recently got a job working in the health sector, said: "I wanted to offer my personal congratulations on landing a new position in public health – I can’t think of anything more important right now. And I’m so pleased to know that Smart Works supported you in the lead-up to your successful job interview."
Another, to a woman who was preparing for an interview, said: "I wanted to write personally to wish you every success in your upcoming interview. While any interview can feel daunting, I know that Smart Works has enabled you with the confidence to thrive throughout the process".
It added: "You’ll be amazing in your interview remember deep breath and be yourself."
Watch: Duchess of Sussex coaches young interviewee via video call in her role as SmartWorks patron
The notes were typed on Smart Works cards, but included handwritten extra words from Meghan, who worked as a calligrapher before she met Prince Harry.
They were signed simply "Meghan".
Smart Works wrote on its website: "We’re delighted to share the news that this year our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex took time to send some words of encouragement to a few of our clients.
"Written by the duchess, several thoughtful notes were delivered to our centre earlier this week, and then dispatched to our clients, to give them that extra piece of encouragement as they return to the workplace."
Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, have encouraged people to take on acts of compassion and empowerment during March to mark International Women's Day, and it's understood the notes are part of that work.
Read more: Prince Philip thanks medical staff as he returns to Windsor Castle after longest hospital stay
Meghan also wrote to pupils at Robert Clack School, in East London, which she visited in March 2020, encouraging them to continue "knowing and appreciating legacy" of "trailblazing women who came before us".
The couple's Archewell website made suggestions of activities for the month including cooking an extra meal to take to a woman who "could use a helping hand" and tutoring teenage girls via the LA works virtual programme.
As a senior royal, Meghan launched a capsule wardrobe with Smart Works, which saw a piece of clothing donated to women preparing to return to work for every item sold.
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