Meghan Markle Explains Purpose of Secret Meeting with Malala Yousafzai

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has shared the reason behind her recent private meeting with Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. The two women met for tea and scones at Claridge's in London, a gathering Markle revealed was to announce a philanthropic collaboration.

Markle posted on Instagram that her company, As Ever, would be donating 100% of its net proceeds from jams and teas to the Malala Fund. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with Archewell Philanthropies, aims to support the foundation's work in ensuring access to education for girls worldwide. "When we support the girls of today, we empower the women of tomorrow. Access to education is the key to unlocking this," Markle stated alongside photos of the meeting.

The meeting, which took place shortly before International Day of the Girl, was described by Markle as "Tea for Two has never felt so good."

This public disclosure follows a sighting of Markle and Yousafzai at the Claridge's hotel the previous week. The encounter marked Markle's first appearance in London since she, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, relocated to the United Kingdom at the end of August. The relocation was reportedly to be closer to Prince Harry's father, King Charles III, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and to foster closer family relationships for their children.

Markle and Yousafzai have a history of engagement. In 2020, they participated in a virtual conversation hosted by the Malala Fund, discussing challenges to girls' education and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students globally. Following that discussion, Yousafzai tweeted about their shared belief that "when girls have access to education, everyone wins."

Since their return to the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been seen on a few occasions, including a recent visit to a local pub for lunch.