Meghan Markle Made an Emotional Visit to a London Animal Shelter This Month
The Duchess of Sussex became a patron of Mayhew last year.


Bringing you some very cute Sussex content this morning: As documented on the official @sussexroyal Instagram account, Meghan Markle visited a London animal shelter during her return to the U.K. earlier this month. The Duchess of Sussex took a trip to animal welfare charity Mayhew, which she became a patron of in January 2019, and was photographed with an extremely adorable dog.
Meghan looked emotional as she and a Mayhew staff member hung out with said adorable dog, looking up at what I'm guessing (and I am often wrong!) was some kind of diagnostic result out of frame. And I relate to her strongly, as someone who can spend maximum 15 seconds in the company of a dog before becoming completely and irrevocably invested in their eternal welfare.
"Earlier this month, The Duchess of Sussex popped in to see the amazing people at Mayhew to hear about the incredible progress made throughout the festive period," @sussexroyal captioned the photos. "The Duchess of Sussex, having been proud patron of Mayhew since January 2019 and long understanding the connection between animal and community welfare, applauds the people at Mayhew for the vital work that they do every day."
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
Meghan has long been a devoted animal lover and dog owner, so her patronage of Mayhew couldn't be a better fit. In a statement on the charity's website, she said, "As a proud rescue dog owner, I know from personal experience the joy that adopting an animal into your home can bring. The role that we, as people, play in rehoming and rescuing these animals is vital, but the role of organisations such as Mayhew is unparalleled."
"What initially struck me about Mayhew specifically is their community based approach not simply on rehoming animals, but in the preventive care that inhibits these cats and dogs from ending up in shelters in the first place," the Duchess continued. "From Mayhew’s global education programmes to their community work on a micro level with the elderly, homeless, and vulnerable communities, they actively seek solutions that allow people to stay with their animals and have the support they need to do so."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Youn Yuh-Jung Didn't Want to Make Another American Movie—Then Came 'The Wedding Banquet'
The Oscar winner shares why the LGBTQ+ rom-com hit close to home and the message she hopes it sends to ''conservative'' Koreans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The 17 On-Sale Beauty Finds I’m Stocking Up on Ahead of Summer
From glowy blushes to the all-time best sunscreen.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
My Incredibly Picky Mom Told Me Every Beauty Product She Wants for Mother's Day
Shopping made easy.
By Samantha Holender
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
This Royal Couple Has the Most Pinned Celebrity Wedding of All Time—And a Surprising Royal Wedding Didn't Even Make The List
A new study found this ceremony gave Pinterest users the most inspiration.
By Kristin Contino
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Thoughts on Trump's Tariffs as She Launches As Ever
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about how her new business could be impacted in a new interview with 'Fortune.'
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Reveals "Scary" Post-Birth Health Battle in First Episode of New Podcast
"I mean life or death, truly."
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Cozy and Affordable Gap Cable-Knit Sweater Set Is, Unsurprisingly, Selling Out Fast
The Duchess of Sussex danced around the kitchen with her dogs while making banana pudding.
By Amy Mackelden
-
The Royal Family Has Seen an 11% Rise in Stalkers Over the Past 3 Years With Nearly 500 Targets Identified
"The difficult task is identifying those with the means and determination to act."
By Kristin Contino