Meghan Markle Visits Vancouver Women’s Center In First Major Outing Since ‘Megxit’ Drama

Meghan Markle is using her time in Canada to lend a hand.

The Duchess of Sussex stopped by the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver on Jan. 14. The nonprofit – which, according to its website, works to “provide basic needs and positive change” for local women and children – shared a photo from her visit on their Facebook page.

In the picture, Meghan wrapped her arms around a group of women as they smiled for the camera. The mom of one was dressed casually for the occasion, wearing a cream sweater, jeans and boots with a gold pendant necklace.

“Look who we had tea with today!” the post read. ” The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community.”

Along with her photo at the women’s center, Meghan was also snapped by photographers the same day boarding a seaplane from Vancouver Island to the mainland.

Meghan’s charitable visit comes as Prince Harry continues to work with his family to figure out his and his wife’s next steps. Last week, the Sussexes announced their intention to “step back from senior royal duties” and “carve out a progressive new role within this institution.” They also revealed that they intend to work toward financial independence and split their time living between the United Kingdom and North America.

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“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST

After holding a historic family summit to hash out the issue, the Queen shared an official statement on Jan. 13 regarding her grandson and granddaughter-in-law’s plans.

“Today, my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family,” the statement read. “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s decision to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

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