Meghan Markle stepped out in stylish high-waisted, wide-legged white trousers paired with a blue shirt for her second solo engagement of the week. The 43-year-old Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 visited the Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, a youth organization dedicated to empowering girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold.”
During her visit, Meghan announced a partnership with #HalfTheStory, a nonprofit focused on improving youth relationships with technology, to launch a new digital wellness program across the United States. Speaking to the young audience, she candidly shared her experience, stating that she has been “one of the most bullied people in the world.” The discussion included interactive activities where the tweens used emojis to express their emotional responses to various online scenarios.
Opting for a more casual look, Meghan’s outfit featured a blue button-up shirt tucked into her wide-legged trousers, a departure from her usual style. She showcased pointed brown shoes that coordinated with a brown Ralph Lauren belt, believed to complement her limited edition Marie Marot X J.Crew shirt. Her footwear was identified as the Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps in Cognac Suede.
Meghan completed her look with loose waves in her hair and a subtle makeup style, including a dewy base, pink blush, and a matching lip. This appearance not only highlighted her fashion sense but also her commitment to supporting young girls in navigating the challenges of the digital age.
Meghan Markle completed her stylish look with what appeared to be the Cartier Tank Française gold watch, a gift from the late Diana, Princess of Wales. This outing marks her second official appearance without Prince Harry since attending the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles gala on October 5. Royal experts suggest that the couple is increasingly living “separate lives,” with plans for more individual engagements moving forward.
A friend of the Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍es revealed that while they will continue to attend joint events, they will also pursue their own passions and be seen in public separately more often. Prince Harry recently returned from a two-week trip that included stops in New York, London, and South Africa, focusing on his patronage work.
“It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving,” the insider stated, emphasizing their growth as individuals. Meghan’s visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, where she discussed digital wellness and empowerment, aligns with her entrepreneurial pursuits.
At the event, Meghan was joined by Larissa May, founder of #HalfTheStory, and Girls Inc. CEO Stephanie J. Hull as they celebrated their new collaboration. This commitment to empowering young girls reflects Meghan’s dedication to her role as an advocate and entrepreneur, further establishing her identity beyond her royal title.
‘We did an activity where we talked through a bunch of scenarios, and Meghan talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world,’ May told Vanity Fair.
‘We had girls wave these little emoji signs and talk about how each one of these scenarios would have impacted them emotionally.’
May added: ‘With Stephanie and Meghan, we talked about what it really means to grow up in this digital age.’
The Social Media U curriculum – which the Duchess helped try out during her visit earlier this month – was designed with input from the teenagers on #HalfTheStory’s advisory board.
It’s aim is reportedly to encourage teenagers to socialise without screens – but also help them use technology for creativity and positive contact.
The effort is being financially supported by Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Melissa French Gates’s Pivotal Ventures, reported the publication.
In March 2024, Meghan opened up about the ‘hateful’ cyber-bullying she received while pregnant with Archie and Lilibet during SXSW festival.
The Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 was in Texas to discuss ‘breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes’ at an event at the festival alongside Brooke Shields and Katie Couric.
Meghan talked about social media use and claimed most of the online hate she experienced happened while she was pregnant with her two young children.
‘I keep my distance from it right now for my wellbeing but the bulk of the bullying and abuse I was experiencing in social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili, and with a newborn, with each of them,’ she said.
‘You just think about that and to wrap your head about why people would be so hateful. It’s not catty it’s cruel. Why you would do that when you’re pregnant or as a mom it’s such a tender and sacred time.’
She added: ‘You could succumb to it, or nearly succumb to how painful that is. Or maybe because I was pregnant that mammalian instinct just kicks in to do everything you can to protect your child and as a result protect yourself too.’
