Meghan Markle Makes a Surprise Royal Visit Today in an Oscar de la Renta Trench Coat
In a previously unscheduled royal visit, Meghan Markle is visiting Smart Works this morning, and there's video! Smart Works is one of Meghan's first four royal patronages, announced earlier this morning by Kensington Palace. Meghan is meeting with staff and women who have previously worked with Smart Works, then help with outfit selection and interview prep.

In a previously unscheduled royal visit, Meghan Markle is visiting Smart Works this morning, and there's video! Smart Works is one of Meghan's first four royal patronages (opens in new tab), announced earlier this morning by Kensington Palace. Royal reporter Roya Nikkah wrote on Twitter that Meghan is meeting with staff and women who have previously worked with Smart Works (opens in new tab), then helping with outfit selection and interview prep. Meghan—getting actively involved on her royal visits (opens in new tab), like always!
Royal reporter Rebecca English got video of Meghan's arrival. According to English (opens in new tab), Meghan is wearing a tan trench coat by Oscar de la Renta (opens in new tab) at over £2k, earrings by Kimai (opens in new tab), and a black dress by maternity line Hatch at £170. Apparently the bag is "Vanity Box" by Victoria Beckham, on sale for £900 (prices reported here (opens in new tab)):
The Duchess of Sussex arrives at @SmartWorksHQ - one of four new patronages announced today. It’s a fantastic new charity which helps women get back into work. pic.twitter.com/eXYKpiah6DJanuary 10, 2019
Look at those shoes, which were by Gianvito Rossi (opens in new tab)! I'm not sure I could pull them off today, much less super-pregnant. The whole look is the perfect work-appropriate look: Meghan looks ready to take on royal duties with her fashion-forward style.
There's also video from inside of Meghan chatting with some of the women who have benefitted from the charity, courtesy of royal reporter Omid Scoobie:
Meghan chats with Ashwak, who was out work for almost six months before receiving support from @SmartWorksHQ. She now has an advertising job in Soho. “I got so much confidence from talking to a coach and getting that hands on advice,” she says. pic.twitter.com/omK6NylOGdJanuary 10, 2019
We also got a better look at her dress as Meghan worked as a stylist and did interview coaching:
The Duchess of Sussex at @SmartWorksHQ pic.twitter.com/G2a5UxCPgOJanuary 10, 2019
Meghan the stylist! pic.twitter.com/cxfOrOl4dwJanuary 10, 2019
Interview coaching with Ruma Parvin, 29, who was referred by @PrincesTrust pic.twitter.com/fm36TvHnp1January 10, 2019
English also showed the prep photos as Smart Works staffers busily readied for the princess's arrival. Meghan has visited the charity several times, so this will likely be an extension of her training and work with the organization.
Preparing at @SmartWorksHQ Meghan has visited a number of times previously and has even given some ladies interview coaching before their job interview. pic.twitter.com/9qECRp0sYpJanuary 10, 2019
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Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
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