Duchess of Sussex makes surprise visit to London school
The Duchess of Sussex has made a surprise visit to a school in east London after it emerged she also visited one of her patronages in secret.
Meghan was spotted on Friday afternoon at Robert Clack School in Dagenham. The reason for her visit is not yet clear.
Earlier on Friday it emerged that she visited the National Theatre on Thursday, which will remain one of her private patronages even after she steps back from her senior role, in a secret meeting.
It came ahead of her first official engagement back in the UK as she and Prince Harry prepare to stop receiving money from the crown.
Read more: Meghan Markle wears £29 Topshop blouse for private National Theatre visit
The couple attended the Endeavour Fund awards at Mansion House, where they each gave out an award and the duke made a brief speech.
At the National Theatre, the duchess visited the Immersive Storytelling Studio which uses virtual reality to “experience life through another person’s point of view”.
The post on Instagram also confirmed their rumoured trip to Stanford University, in California.
Rufus Norris, the artistic director at the National Theatre, was forced to deny claims that bosses there were “furious” about the duchess stepping back.
He said: “There has been no indication at all from her that her engagement with us would be anything other than business as usual.
“She has proven to be a very engaged patron and we look forward to working with her. She has star reach, she understands the nature of what we’re trying to do.”
Harry carried out an official engagement on Friday, opening the Silverstone experience with Lewis Hamilton.
During the event, he said: “I'll keep this brief - there's nothing better than officially opening a building that is very much open.”
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a film star moment in the rain at Endeavour Awards
They will appear together again on Saturday evening, when they attend the Mountbatten Festival of Music.
Meghan is also to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, but the event has not been confirmed.
On Monday, they will join other members of the Royal Family as they attend the Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey.
