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COMPLETING THE JIGSAW

Kate Middleton has a surprising connection to Meghan Markle’s Smart Works collection through Jigsaw

THIS WEEK saw Meghan Markle launch her much-discussed charity fashion line.

And her sister-in-law Kate Middleton, 37, has a surprising connection to the 'Smart Set' collection.

 Kate Middleton has an unlikely connection to Meghan Markle's Smart Works collection
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Kate Middleton has an unlikely connection to Meghan Markle's Smart Works collectionCredit: Getty - Contributor

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, collaborated with a range of clothing brands to help raise money for Smart Works.

They help long-term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills and confidence to succeed at job interviews and return to employment.

These include pieces being sold in support of the charity at Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, as well as Jigsaw.

It was at the latter that the Duchess of Cambridge used to work at in 2006.

 The Duchess of Sussex launched the charity 'Smart Set' collection earlier this week
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The Duchess of Sussex launched the charity 'Smart Set' collection earlier this weekCredit: PA:Press Association

Mum-of-three Kate was an accessories buyer for the high street chain.

She is understood to have secured the job after reaching out personally to founder Belle Robinson, who knew her family.

At the time, the St Andrew's graduate was Prince William's long-term girlfriend - and the pair wouldn't marry until 2011.

";I have to say I was so impressed by her," Robinson said in a 2008 interview with the .

 Jigsaw is selling a blazer, pair of trousers and shirt as part of the initiative
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Jigsaw is selling a blazer, pair of trousers and shirt as part of the initiativeCredit: Smart Works

"She sat in the kitchen at lunchtime and chatted with everyone from the van drivers to the accounts girls. She wasn't precious."

However, Kate quit the role after less than a year, saying she needed ";some time to herself".

 Kate pictured shopping with mum Carole in 2005 - a year before she worked as an accessories buyer
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Kate pictured shopping with mum Carole in 2005 - a year before she worked as an accessories buyerCredit: Getty - Contributor

Now, Jigsaw has once again resumed its royal collection thanks to Meghan.

They are selling a matching £199 blazer and £120 pair of trousers - as well as a £125 white shirt - as part of her 'Smart Set' range.

For every item sold, one will be donated to Smart Works for underprivileged women to access.

Earlier today, we told you how the Queen's former personal chef reveals he would deliver the monarch’s menu in red-leather bound books each week with recipes written in French.

We also revealed how Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have ‘built a £4,000 barbecue area’ at Frogmore Cottage, with ‘cosy’ patio deck and outdoor seating.

And the Palace denies "vetting or approving content" in Netflix series The Crown but makes it clear it does not endorse the show.

Meghan Markle's BFF Misha Nonoo defends her against 'unjust criticism'
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