MEGHAN HOSTS WELCOME DINNER

The Duchess of Sussex takes part in a traditional meal for Afghan women starting new lives in California - and shares her own holiday traditions

- KENZI DEVINE

The Duchess of Sussex has been a champion of “the power of women coming together” long before she became a household name, and last week she hosted a traditional dinner with the Southern California Welcome Project in Venice Beach. The event was held at Our Place, a venue founded by Shiza Shahid. Meghan joined a group of Afghan women who have resettled in the US state for a meal to celebrate their heritage and community. During the evening, the royal gave a rare insight into life with husband Prince Harry and her children.

From sharing warm embraces with her fellow guests to helping serve traditional dessert, the mother-of-two was in her element as she bonded with guests. Sharing stories and anecdotes with the women sitting at lantern-lit dining tables, Meghan — looking chic in a neutral roll-neck sleeveless sweater and matching trousers — was described as making everyone in the room feel “comfortable and valued”.

The group was brought together by the Archewell Foundation’s The Welcome Project and Mina’s List, an organisation that seeks to empower women in politics and human rights fields. Archewell’s initiative was launched in 2023 by Meghan and Prince Harry, with the couple using their non-profit organisation, they said, to “drive change”.

“From my standpoint, I think part of why we wanted to make sure we had this opportunity to all be together again — so many of us — right now is that as the holidays come up, and have already begun in many regards, it brings up so much emotion for people,” the duchess told the group.

“You miss home, you miss your country, and also can find comfort in the new community that you have here. I’m grateful that we are able to be a part of that community.”