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    Princess Eugenie just honoured Meghan Markle’s birthday with a very special present

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 5 August 2021 In News

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    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have stepped down as royal family members and relocated to California, but that certainly doesn't stop them from making headlines.

    In fact, this past month they have been all anyone can talk about.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the arrival of their baby daughter, Lilibet Diana in June, before Prince Harry returned to the UK to reunite with Prince William to unveil a statue of Princess Diana in Kensington Palace's Sunken Gardens.

    Since then, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tell-all interview with Oprah, Oprah With Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special, has been nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series Or Special category. And just this month, Meghan was announced as an executive producer on an exciting TV show. And of course, the announcement of Prince Harry's upcoming memoir has also been doing the rounds.

    It was Meghan Markle's 40th birthday that made headlines this week, with the Duchess celebrating the milestone yesterday.

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    According to reports, the Duchess celebrated with some seriously A-list plans, with a 'low-key' celebrity gathering and a tiered 'naked' cake.

    A photo posted by on

    It was her appearance on the day that made the most news however with Meghan announcing an exciting initiative on her 40th birthday in a hilarious video with actress Melissa McCarthy.

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    ‘Because I’m turning 40, I’m asking 40 friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor a woman who is mobilizing back into the workforce,’ Meghan explained. ‘Over 2 million women in the US alone and tens of millions around the world have lost their jobs due to Covid and I think if we all do it and all commit 40 minutes to some sort of act of service, we can create a ripple effect.’

    In response to the video, Princess Eugenie announced that she would be honouring Meghan's birthday by supporting her initiative and donating 40 minutes of mentorship.

    'To celebrate dear Meghan's 40th birthday I'm contributing 40 minutes of mentorship to support women reeentering the workforce,' Princess Eugenie posted on her Instagram Stories. 'In the past two years, tens of millions of women around the world have departed the workforce.

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    'If you can, please join me and commit 40 minutes to community, service or mentorship.'

    Princess Eugenie is among 40 leading women that Meghan asked to take part in the initiative, alongside Adele, Gloria Steinem and Amanda Gorman.

    Well, this is lovely.

    Happy 40th birthday to the Duchess of Sussex!

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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