The Duchess of Sussex has become the Vice President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT). The Queen is Patron of the Trust, which champions young people around the world, while the Duke of Sussex is its President.
Meghan’s new role will see her supporting the Trust’s partnerships with young people in all the countries of the Commonwealth with a particular focus on its work supporting women and girls. The announcement was made on International Women’s Day (March 8th 2019).
The Chair of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Lord Geidt, said the organisation was ”thrilled” to welcome the Duchess of Sussex to her new role, adding ”the support and encouragement which Her Royal Highness will bring to the young leaders with whom we work promises to have a profound effect”.
Nicola Brentnall, Chief Executive of the Trust, said ”We are particularly delighted that the first opportunity of formally working together with Her Royal Highness comes on International Women’s Day. This squares perfectly with our focus on amplifying the work and contribution of those furthest away from power. Women across the Commonwealth and the globe often face the biggest impediments to success. So we are delighted to have our Vice-President’s support in helping others to overcome those obstacles.”
The news came as Meghan prepared to join a panel of high profile women for a discussion around issues linked to gender equality and support for women organised by the Queen’s Cmmonwealth Trust for International Women’s Day. The panel also includes the former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, Adwoa Aboah, founder of Gurls Talk and Annie Lennox OBE who founded The Circle which supports women around the world.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have put the Commonwealth at the heart of their agenda from the moment that their engagement was announced. Just before their marriage, Prince Harry spoke openly about the importance of the organisation for both of them. As he was appointed a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, he said in a speech that Meghan would be joining him in his work. And the Duchess of Sussex famously included the floral emblems of all the Commonwealth nations on her bridal veil.
Since their wedding, the couple have taken on a range of engagements supporting the Commonwealth and have already visited several countries including Australia and New Zealand. They will join the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service in London on Monday and on the same day they will visit Canada House in the capital to celebrate the contribution of young people from that country to life in the UK and around the world.
