Prince Harry and Meghan Markle [1] are known for having big hearts when it comes to philanthropy [2], but now more than ever, they are committed to making a difference in the world. Even though they officially stepped down as senior members [3] of the royal family in March, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to use their platforms to raise awareness to causes close to their hearts and help those in need. Most recently, Harry and Meghan teamed up with LA's Project Angel Food [4] to personally deliver free meals to people living with critical illnesses who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Regardless of whether they're royals or not, it's clear that Harry and Meghan have pure intentions with everything they do, and that's truly all that matters. Ahead, see all the ways the couple is still doing good in the world as they transition into their new private lives.
Meghan Lent Her Voice to a Generous Cause
The Duchess of Sussex's first post-royal project was narrating Disneynature's Elephant documentary [6]. The film — which debuted on Disney+ on April 3 — follows an elephant family's 1,000-mile journey across Africa, and Meghan lent her voice in exchange for a donation to the Elephants Without Borders [7] conservation charity. The Botswana-based foundation is dedicated to preserving the biodiversity and landscape of elephant populations in African countries.
In an interview with Good Morning America, the duchess discussed how grateful she is [8] to bring awareness to the cause. "I've been really lucky to be able to have hands-on experience with elephants in their natural habitat," she said. "When you spend time connecting to them in their wildlife, you understand that we have a role to play in their preservation and their safety."
They Announced Their Archewell Nonprofit
In April, Harry and Meghan revealed the name of their new nonprofit, Archewell [9]. The organisation will exist to "do something of meaning" and "to do something that matters." "Before SussexRoyal, came the idea of 'Arche'—the Greek word meaning 'source of action.' We connected to this concept for the charitable organisation we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our son's name," the couple told E! News in a statement. "Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon."
Harry and Meghan have not announced an official launch date yet. "Like you, our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic," they explained. "We look forward to launching Archewell when the time is right."
They Used Their Platform to Aid in Coronavirus Relief Efforts
In addition to donating more than £90,000 [10] from their royal wedding broadcast to the UK's Feeding Britain charity in April, Harry and Meghan volunteered [11] with LA nonprofit Project Angel Food to deliver free meals to people living with critical illnesses that make them more vulnerable during the pandemic.
They Are Continuing on With Their UK Charity Work
Harry recently checked in on caregivers for sick kids [12] through his WellChild organisation. In April, he hosted a video chat at home during the coronavirus outbreak. "It's certainly strange times. Everyone is experiencing the same thing in a unique way," Harry said. "You've got to celebrate those moments where you are just on the floor rolling around in hysterics . . . Inevitably, half an hour later, maybe a day later, there's going to be something that you have to deal with, and there's no way you can run away from it . . . Of course, there's that fear of what might happen, but there's so much that's out of our control."
Meghan also connected with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen [13]. In a Zoom call, the group talked about their latest project [14] and looked back on the success of their Together: Our Community Cookbook. The duchess then connected them with The Felix Project and Street Games to help them gather ingredients and deliver free meals to those in need in London. "The spirit of the Hubb Community Kitchen has always been one of caring, giving back, and helping those in need, initially in Grenfell and now throughout the UK," Meghan said. "A home-cooked meal from one neighbour to another, when they need it most, is what community is all about."
