Meghan Markle Makes a Surprise Royal Visit Today in an Oscar de la Renta Trench Coat
In a previously unscheduled royal visit, Meghan Markle is visiting Smart Works this morning, and there's video! Smart Works is one of Meghan's first four royal patronages, announced earlier this morning by Kensington Palace. Meghan is meeting with staff and women who have previously worked with Smart Works, then help with outfit selection and interview prep.
![Street fashion, Fashion, Dress, Outerwear, Event, Human, Coat, Footwear, Photography, Haute couture,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/APinCivjmyRqkZ8kZcspMF-1280-80.jpg)
In a previously unscheduled royal visit, Meghan Markle is visiting Smart Works this morning, and there's video! Smart Works is one of Meghan's first four royal patronages, announced earlier this morning by Kensington Palace. Royal reporter Roya Nikkah wrote on Twitter that Meghan is meeting with staff and women who have previously worked with Smart Works, then helping with outfit selection and interview prep. Meghan—getting actively involved on her royal visits, like always!
Royal reporter Rebecca English got video of Meghan's arrival. According to English, Meghan is wearing a tan trench coat by Oscar de la Renta at over £2k, earrings by Kimai, and a black dress by maternity line Hatch at £170. Apparently the bag is "Vanity Box" by Victoria Beckham, on sale for £900 (prices reported here):
The Duchess of Sussex arrives at @SmartWorksHQ - one of four new patronages announced today. It’s a fantastic new charity which helps women get back into work. pic.twitter.com/eXYKpiah6DJanuary 10, 2019
Look at those shoes, which were by Gianvito Rossi! I'm not sure I could pull them off today, much less super-pregnant. The whole look is the perfect work-appropriate look: Meghan looks ready to take on royal duties with her fashion-forward style.
There's also video from inside of Meghan chatting with some of the women who have benefitted from the charity, courtesy of royal reporter Omid Scoobie:
Meghan chats with Ashwak, who was out work for almost six months before receiving support from @SmartWorksHQ. She now has an advertising job in Soho. “I got so much confidence from talking to a coach and getting that hands on advice,” she says. pic.twitter.com/omK6NylOGdJanuary 10, 2019
We also got a better look at her dress as Meghan worked as a stylist and did interview coaching:
The Duchess of Sussex at @SmartWorksHQ pic.twitter.com/G2a5UxCPgOJanuary 10, 2019
Meghan the stylist! pic.twitter.com/cxfOrOl4dwJanuary 10, 2019
Interview coaching with Ruma Parvin, 29, who was referred by @PrincesTrust pic.twitter.com/fm36TvHnp1January 10, 2019
English also showed the prep photos as Smart Works staffers busily readied for the princess's arrival. Meghan has visited the charity several times, so this will likely be an extension of her training and work with the organization.
Preparing at @SmartWorksHQ Meghan has visited a number of times previously and has even given some ladies interview coaching before their job interview. pic.twitter.com/9qECRp0sYpJanuary 10, 2019
For more 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
Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Adele Taps Into the French Manicure Renaissance for Date Night with Rich Paul
The modern French tip trend strikes again.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Meghan Markle Exudes Snow Bunny Style in a $1,250 Mackage Puffer
The Duchess of Sussex bundled up in luxury while visiting Whistler, Canada.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
First Tory Burch Pierced Her Shoes. Now She's Piercing Bags
The unexpected style is already taking over fashion week.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Meghan Markle Exudes Snow Bunny Style in a $1,250 Mackage Puffer at Invictus Games
The Duchess of Sussex bundled up in luxury while visiting Whistler, Canada.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Shares an Emotional Update on How He and Meghan Markle Are Coping After Losing Guy
He made the revelation after meeting a 3-year-old service dog named Thorn at the Invictus Games.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Resurrects Her 'Suits' Character With Witty Remark at the Invictus Games 2025
The Duchess of Sussex has not forgotten Rachel Zane's iconic wardrobe choices.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Wears Olive Green for a Children's Story Time Event at the Invictus Games 2025
The Duchess of Sussex arrived in a camel coat before revealing her coordinating sweater, skirt, and heels.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's Latest Outfit Just Solved a 6-Year-Old Royal Fashion Mystery
Her Invictus Games wardrobe includes a previously unidentified designer coat and a baby alpaca trench.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Archie and Lilibet Aren't at the Invictus Games in Canada With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Royal experts break down why the little prince and princess have remained at home in California.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Kisses Prince Harry at Invictus Games Event, Says He "Means a Lot" to Her
The Duchess of Sussex even mentioned their "sweet, excited children" in her impromptu speech.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Meghan Markle Got Billie Eilish to Make One L.A. Fire Victim's Dream Come True
The Duchess of Sussex called on fans to "keep supporting those affected by the California wildfires."
By Kristin Contino Published