Duchess Meghan's royal patronages

Since the tender age of 11 – when <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2017120244463/meghan-markle-11-year-old-gender-equality-video/"><strong>she sent a impassioned letter</strong></a> to Proctor & Gamble about a sexist commercial – <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/meghan-markle"><strong>Duchess Meghan</strong></a> has identified as an activist. So it's no surprise that her passion for equality, empowerment, social justice and the arts are reflected in her role as a member of the Royal Family. <p>From her <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02019011649421/meghan-markle-visits-mayhew-photos"><strong>animal rights activism with The Mayhew</strong></a> to her <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02019013049622/meghan-markle-visits-national-theatre-photos"><strong>deep love for the arts community with The National Theatre</strong></a>, the duchess is slowly collecting a myriad of royal patronages where she vows to put her time and hard work during her career. <p><strong>Click through to learn all about Meghan's royal patronages...</strong> <p>Photo: &copy; Clodagh Kilcoyne - WPA Pool/Getty Images
<h2>The Queen's Commonwealth Trust</h2> On March 8 – just in time for International Women's Day! – Duchess Meghan became vice-president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, adding to her growing list of patronages. <p>Kensington Palace announced the exciting news with a statement that read: "The Duchess of Sussex will today become Vice-President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. The Trust, of which Her Majesty The Queen is Patron and The Duke of Sussex is President, exists to champion, fund and connect young leaders around the world who are driving positive social change, serving their communities and providing hope, work and self-employment opportunities for others." <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
<h2>Association of Commonwealth Universities</h2> This organization holds the honour of being the world's first and oldest international university network. It's also the only accredited organization representing higher education across all 53 Commonwealth countries. Upon being named patron, Dr. Joanna Newman MBE, Chief Executive and Secretary General of the ACU, said this of Meghan: "The Duchess shares our passion for the transformational power of higher education, and Her Royal Highness’ support will help champion higher education as a force for good in the Commonwealth and beyond." <p>Photo: &copy; Twitter/@kensingtonroyal
<h2>The Mayhew</h2> Having adopted several pets, becoming a patron for an animal welfare charity is a natural fit for the duchess. The organization "uses innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through proactive community, and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care." <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
<h2>National Theatre</h2> "The Duchess is a strong believer in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together," Kensington Palace said when it was announced she would be taking over this patronage from the Queen. The organization naturally aligns with Meghan's interests given she's a former actress, and aims to make world class theatre that's not only inclusive and diverse, but also entertaining. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
<h2>Smart Works</h2> Meghan has long been an advocate for women's rights, especially when it comes to equal access to opportunities like education and employment. Smart Works is a charity that helps fulfil those objectives by helping women develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
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