Food Bank Volunteer Who Interacted With Meghan Markle Revealed as Millionaire Businesswoman
Helen Teasdale, who appeared unimpressed by the Duchess of Sussex's questions during a visit to a Nottingham food bank, is the co-founder of a successful brewery and lives in a large Victorian mansion.
A food bank volunteer who gained attention for her composed reaction to Meghan Markle's questions during a recent visit is a millionaire businesswoman. Helen Teasdale, 71, was observed to have a reserved demeanor as the Duchess of Sussex demonstrated how to pack a donation bag at the Himmah food bank in Nottingham.
Footage from the visit showed Teasdale telling Markle, "It's not very difficult" while holding a bag. Markle appeared to inquire about moving to another station, but Teasdale directed her to proceed with filling the bag. The exchange quickly circulated on social media, with many interpreting Teasdale's reaction as a subtle rebuke to the Duchess.
However, Teasdale is reportedly a former solicitor who co-founded the Springhead Brewery, an award-winning microbrewery known for supplying ales to major retailers like Tesco and the pub chain J D Wetherspoon. Their popular beer, "Roaring Meg," is a citrus-flavored IPA named after a Civil War cannon. Teasdale remains on the board of the company, which her son also helps to run.
Teasdale and her husband reside in a five-bedroom Victorian house valued at approximately £1.6 million, situated on a private estate near Nottingham. The property is reportedly currently on the market. Neighbors describe Teasdale as a cheerful and chatty individual who enjoys volunteering at the food bank once a week.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Himmah was part of their joint UK engagements, which marked their first appearance together in the UK in six years. The location held particular significance for Meghan, as it allowed her to reconnect with women from the Hubb Community Kitchen, a project she had supported following the Grenfell Tower fire. During their visit, the couple participated in cooking activities and helped prepare essential items for those in need.
A manager at Himmah confirmed Teasdale's volunteer status, noting that she assists whenever she has free time. The organization expressed gratitude for her consistent support.