Meghan Markle Dines With Malala Yousafzai in London
The Duchess of Sussex and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate met at Claridge's hotel, marking the Duchess's first London sighting since her family's return to the UK.
Meghan Markle was seen dining with Malala Yousafzai at Claridge's hotel in London, marking her first public appearance in the city since she and Prince Harry relocated back to the UK with their children. The Duchess of Sussex, 45, and the Nobel Peace Prize winner, 29, were observed having dinner together at the Mayfair hotel.
The pair have a previous connection, having collaborated on a virtual discussion in 2020 to mark International Day of the Girl, focusing on the significance of education for girls. Malala, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her advocacy for girls' rights, became the youngest recipient of the award. She survived a Taliban assassination attempt at age 14 for speaking out about education for girls in Pakistan.
This outing represents Meghan's first sighting in London since she and Prince Harry moved back to Britain with their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, in August. Video footage shared on social media showed Meghan and Malala seated at a corner table in the hotel's restaurant.
During their 2020 virtual discussion, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prince Harry also participated. Meghan emphasized the importance of education for girls, stating that when they have access, "everyone wins, and everyone succeeds." She added that women's presence at the decision-making table shifts conversations around policy and societal dynamics.
Prince Harry reflected on his own education, acknowledging it as a privilege and highlighting the concerning statistic of over 130 million girls being out of education globally before the pandemic, a number he feared would increase. Malala expressed her alignment with Meghan's views, noting their shared belief that girls' education benefits everyone.
The Sussexes' return to the UK over the summer preceded the new school year. Prior to this London dinner, they were photographed entering the Falkland Arms pub in the Cotswolds on October 2, their first public appearance since moving from Montecito, California.
Meghan has also been active with her lifestyle brand, As Ever, recently announcing a festive product line. Pre-orders opened for a chocolate advent calendar priced at £112, described as being inspired by her Montecito home and garden. The calendar features hand-painted countdown numbers in Meghan's handwriting and edible gold lustre, with flavors including fruit and marmalade, alongside special chocolate with flower sprinkles. The product's announcement drew criticism from some, including a vicar who suggested a more affordable Christian advent calendar, leading to backlash from some of Meghan's supporters online.
Buckingham Palace also released its own advent calendars, with prices starting at £25, significantly lower than Meghan's offering. Other items in Meghan's "Holiday Collection" include chocolates developed with the Los Angeles brand Compartes and a card set featuring the As Ever logo.