Meghan Markle has been spotted enjoying a relaxed dinner with longtime friend Malala Yousafzai at one of London’s most exclusive hotels, offering another glimpse into the Duchess of Sussex’s recent private outings in Britain.
The Duchess, 45, was seen sitting with the 29-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate at Claridge’s in Mayfair on Wednesday, October 7. Footage circulating online showed Meghan dressed casually in a white top, with her hair styled in her signature low bun, as the pair appeared engrossed in conversation.
The meeting brought together two women who have previously spoken publicly about their shared interest in girls’ education and the barriers that prevent young women around the world from accessing learning opportunities.
Meghan Markle was spotted in London (Image: Getty)
Meghan and Malala’s longstanding connection
Meghan and Malala first connected publicly during a virtual discussion on October 11, 2020, marking the International Day of the Girl.
The conversation, streamed by the Malala Fund, explored the systemic obstacles that continue to prevent millions of girls from receiving an education. The subject has long been important to Meghan, who has repeatedly expressed support for initiatives focused on women’s empowerment and educational opportunities.
Malala, a Pakistani education activist, became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate after receiving the award in 2014. Her work has made her one of the world’s most prominent advocates for girls’ right to education.
Their latest meeting in London follows a period of private appearances by Meghan since the reported return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Britain.
Meghan Markle was joined by Malala Yousafzai (Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan’s reported return to Britain
Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly relocated to Britain during the summer, six years after stepping away from their former royal roles and leaving the country.
The couple are said to be living in the Cotswolds with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The children have reportedly enrolled in British schools.
Last week, Harry and Meghan were also spotted enjoying a low-key lunch at a pub somewhere in Oxfordshire, a more ordinary outing that contrasted with the formal engagements traditionally associated with royal life.
The couple’s reported return has attracted attention as they continue to navigate their lives outside the working royal family.
Meghan expands her As Ever holiday collection
Alongside her private outings, Meghan has continued developing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, unveiling its second Holiday Collection this week.
The launch follows the introduction of a luxury advent calendar priced at £112. The latest limited-edition range includes three gift baskets designed around the brand’s food and lifestyle products.
The Pantry Basket costs £195, while the Parlour Basket is priced at £182 and the Hostess Basket at £159.
Each basket contains a different selection of As Ever products. The most expensive option, the Pantry Basket, includes three jars of jam, two jars of honey, flower sprinkles, three herbal teas, a hot toddy mulling spice kit and a spiced cider version.
Another offering is the Treasures of the Orchard gift box, featuring chocolate-covered fruit and priced at £56.
The holiday range adds to Meghan’s growing lifestyle business as she continues to balance her commercial projects with family life and appearances in Britain.
A quieter chapter for the Duchess of Sussex
From catching up with an established friend to expanding her lifestyle brand, Meghan’s latest activities have offered a glimpse into her life away from the public duties she once carried out as a senior working royal.
Her dinner with Malala also revisits a connection formed around a cause both women have publicly supported: improving access to education for girls around the world.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s future relationship with the British royal family, including renewed debate over whether they should retain their royal titles.