Meghan Markle 'spoke Spanish perfectly' while volunteering with ex-gang members in LA
Meghan Markle switched effortlessly into perfect Spanish while volunteering with ex-gang members at a bakery in Los Angeles, the charity’s founder has revealed.
Prince Harry and Meghan spent time last week with Homeboy Industries, which runs several cafes throughout LA, and provides support to former prisoners and gang members.
Meghan, 38, knew charity founder Father Greg Boyle having been on one of his cooking courses with her mother when she was a teenager.
He told People magazine: “She spoke Spanish perfectly with one young woman.
“She just went right into Spanish, which was a revelation - and it was very good.”
Meghan is understood to have learnt Spanish while an intern with the US Embassy in Argentina.
Read more: Meghan Markle was 'unprotected by the Institution' after media attacks, court papers say
She previously revealed she had a scary moment there, when she was in a motorcade which was hit by protesters’ placards.
At the time, she thought she would have a career in politics.
Boyle added to the magazine: “She didn’t want to have a long-table discussion or presentation or even a tour.
“They knew we pivoted our organisation to help address food insecurity in the county and that was intriguing to her, so she said, 'We want to come and put an apron on,' and that’s what they did. It was quite wonderful.”
Read more: Meghan Markle wins diversity award with 'groundbreaking' Vogue cover
He also said Meghan was better at the baked goods than Harry.
A source said Meghan remembered the tamale recipe she learnt with Father Boyle two decades ago, and he joked that they spoke about it, and she might make them for the prince.
Harry and Meghan have been having meetings with community leaders in the run-up to launching Archewell, their non-profit, which has been delayed until next year.
Meghan has also been keeping in touch with Michael Johnson, who is a representative of the family of Althea Bernstein, a mixed race woman who says she was attacked by four white men who set her on fire.
Read more: 100 things the Royal Family has done in 100 days of lockdown
Johnson told Channel3000 Meghan called Bernstein and spoke to her about self-care, and allowing herself to heal.
He shared on Facebook on Wednesday: “I am blown away by Meghan Markle!! She called me again today while my wife and kids were in the car and said, ‘Hey Michael this is Meghan I am just checking in.’
“We talked for about 10 min about a lot of things including Althea and her well being. We also talked about some plans she support but I can’t share yet.. so stay tuned.
“I love how poised and down to earth she is, her passion, her commitment to children and how she is following up with genuine love and support.”
