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Meghan Markle shows off her baby bump as she arrives at first official royal job
MEGHAN Markle has today showed off her baby bump as she arrived for her first official royal job.
The pregnant Duchess of Sussex stunned as she headed to Smart Works - one of the four organisations she was this morning named as patron.
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During the morning visit, the 37-year-old met with women who have been helped by the charity that offers interview clothing and coaching for the unemployed.
And Meghan looked gorgeous for the visit, wearing a Hatch dress, Oscar de la Renta coat, Kimai earrings and animal-print heels.
She even pitched in to choose an outfit for Patsy Wardally, 56, for an upcoming job interview.
The beaming mum-to-be also helped an interview coach speak to Ruma Parvin, 29, who was referred to the charity by the Prince's Trust - an organisation founded by Meghan's father-in-law Prince Charles.
Meghan Markle helps Patsy Wardally, 56, chose an outfit during first visit to Smart Works as patron
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Meghan was today named patron of four charities - including two from the Queen.
She will represent the National Theatre and Association of Commonwealth Universities - organisations the monarch has represented for 45 and 33 years respectively.
She was also named as patron for The Mayhew, which supports animals in need.
The roles are a vote of confidence from the Queen for the former actress after she joined the Royal Family last year.
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A Kensington Palace spokesperson said her patronages had been chosen as they reflected "the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare."
They said: "Her Royal Highness has also been involved with several other projects in this sector, including a project whilst at university which provided prom dresses for young women in underprivileged areas.
"The Duchess has a longstanding track record of working in the space of women’s empowerment both in her local community as well as abroad.
"In recent years, Her Royal Highness has travelled to India and Rwanda working on projects to mobilise women in challenging or marginalized situations to see their full potential."
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Juliet Hughes-Hallett, Chair and Founder of Smart Works said: “We are thrilled to announce that The Duchess of Sussex will become the Royal Patron of Smart Works.
"An acknowledged champion of women and their rights worldwide, The Duchess will motivate ever more women to come to our centres and get the job that will transform their lives. The Duchess’s patronage will inspire the women we serve and help them reach for the stars.”
Meghan, 37, was particularly seen as a “natural fit” for the position of patron for the National Theatre with her experience in acting - having rose to fame playing the role of Rachel in the hit show Suits.
But the patronages weren't all a surprise - with the National Theatre accidentally revealing yesterday the former actress had been announced as their new patron.
A screenshot taken by The Telegraph shows the message, dated January 10, saying: "The Duchess of Sussex announced as our new Royal Patron."
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The former actress, who also studied theatre at university, will get involved with The American Associates of the National Theatre, which contributes £3million a year to its output.
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre said: “I would like to thank The Queen for Her Majesty’s long and unwavering support and service to the National Theatre.
"We were honoured when The Queen became our Patron in 1974 and have celebrated many moments together including, in recent years, the Diamond Jubilee and the marking of our 50th anniversary.
"It is a privilege to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as our new Patron. The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come”.
The appointment as patron is made by Her Majesty and will be seen as a huge boost for Meghan after rumours of a tricky start to life as a royal.
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She is a theatre lover and last year went with Prince Harry, 34, to a benefit performance of hit musical Hamilton.
It will be a busy year for Meghan, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry in the Spring.
The couple, who married in May last year, are also expecting to move to Frogmore Cottage ahead of their baby's arrival.
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