Meghan Markle's mum Doria Ragland praises "the power of women" at cookbook launch
The Duchess of Sussex brought a surprise guest along to the launch of the charity cookbook she’s supporting – her mother, Doria Ragland.
Doria was spotted at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, with rumours that she would be flying into London to see her daughter and son-in-law.
To the delight of many, she arrived at the reception with Meghan and Harry on Thursday, in the grounds of Kensington Palace and was introduced to the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen – whose recipes have been collated in the book ‘Together.’
Doria greeted them with ‘Hi, I’m Meg’s mum.’
She told them: ‘I’m just as excited as you are.
‘I’m so glad I can put the face with the recipes. I’m going to make everything.
‘The power of women. We make things happen. We’re curious, we say yes, we show up. I’m inspired.’
Baroness Gail Rebuck, chair of publisher Penguin Random House, told Ms Ragland she must feel “very proud” of the Duchess and her work on the cookbook, to which she replied “head over heels.”
At the reception, guests were treated to home-made dishes including coconut chicken curry, aubergine masala and a range of chapatis and sharing dips, as well as caramelised plum upside-down cake, and spiced mint tea.
Meghan showed off her cooking skills to her mum, as she assisted with the final preparations.
She then gave a passionate speech, without any notes, thanking the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen.
She said: “To the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this adventure with you. I am so privileged to know you.
“I’m so excited to see the projects you’re going to continue to do in your own community, the community at large, and also how you’re going to inspire people globally by sharing your stories and your recipes.”
Meghan has been making private visits to the centre in West London since January and devised the idea of a cookbook to help with their funding, after learning that it was only able to open two days a week.
The recipe book topped Amazon’s best sellers list ahead of its release on Thursday. Profits from the sales of ‘Together’ will support the Hubb Community Kitchen, keeping it open for up to seven days a week and helping widen its reach to others in the community.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK.
Read more from Yahoo Style UK:
Meghan Markle shows support for close friend’s fashion line at Kensington Palace book launch
Meghan Markle launches charity cookbook – joined by Prince Harry and mother Doria Ragland
Who is Princess Eugenie? Everything you need to know about Prince Andrew’s youngest daughter
