Doria Ragland Joins Daughter Meghan Markle for Special Cookbook Launch

It's the first time they've made an appearance together since the wedding.

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(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

This morning, Meghan Markle celebrated her charity cookbook launch and had a special guest: her mother, Doria Ragland. The mother and daughter are attending a lunch at Kensington Palace to promote Meghan's new charity cookbook, Together: Our Community Cookbook, with the rest of the women from the Hubb Community Kitchen in support of those affected by the Grenfell Tower fires last year.

Both of the women are seen tasting food and chatting with the other women. It was reported earlier this week that Doria was on her way to London to visit her daughter, though it was originally predicted she was planning on making the move to the U.K. Clearly it was to attend this special event with Meghan who's wearing a gorgeous blue Smythe coat, a black turtleneck top by Tuxe, a Misha Nonoo skirt, and Sarah Flint pumps.

The Duchess announced the cookbook as her first royal initiative only a few days ago, and she's already received praise from royal fans and close friends. The lunch is setup with gorgeous flowers across the tables, and Meghan is seen interacting (and serving food!) with the women. Harry also joined Doria and Meghan at the event, though he's letting Meghan and her mom have the spotlight.

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(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

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(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

BRITAIN-ROYALS-FIRE-LITERATURE

(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

BRITAIN-ROYALS-FIRE-LITERATURE

(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

BRITAIN-ROYALS-FIRE-LITERATURE

(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

BRITAIN-ROYALS-FIRE-LITERATURE

(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

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(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

BRITAIN-ROYALS-FIRE-LITERATURE

(Image credit: BEN STANSALL)

It makes sense that Meghan would bring her mom to the launch. In the cookbook's emotional foreword, the Duchess talks about her relationship with food growing up and how "during my time at university in Chicago I would wait with bated breath to return to L.A. for the winter break and have a bowl of my mother's gumbo."

Meghan even gave a speech about the cookbook's "tremendous labor of love" as Prince Harry stood to the side admiring his wife as she thanked everyone who made the book possible.

Watch the speech below:

You can purchase Together: Our Community Cookbook here.

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Read the Foreword to Meghan's New Charity Cookbook

Rachel Epstein
Rachel Epstein

Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.