Meghan Markle Surprised a Women’s Center in Vancouver

Meghan Markle has been pictured for the first time since announcing she and Prince Harry would “step back” as senior royals, and she’s left a women’s center completely shocked.

The photo was shared on Facebook by the Downtown Eastside Women’s Center in Vancouver, where she joined the employees to discuss the social work they were doing.

In the caption of the image, the women’s center wrote, “Look who we had tea with today!”

“The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community.” In the picture, Meghan is seen wearing a chic cream-colored knit and black jeans.

She added a fine golden locket to her casual-chic outfit and wore her hair straight. Meghan is seen surrounded by employees from the women’s center, who look excited to have met Meghan.

According to Vancouver publication Straight.com, Downtown Eastside is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the entire country. The center has been in the area since 1978, providing a safe space for women and children, as well as providing counseling, hot meals, and other basic necessities.

Meghan’s visit was no doubt a pointed move from the 38-year-old, who is known for her passion for shining a light on charities who are working towards a greater good — especially for women.

The visit comes shortly after Meghan and husband Harry’s fate as royal family members were ultimately decided by the Queen, who issued a personal statement on January 13 giving her full support to the royal couple. 

“We respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,” the Queen wrote, after explaining that she was supportive of the pair creating “a new life as a young family”. She also confirmed that the pair wished to split their time between the UK and Canada for now as they transition into the new chapter.

Meghan and Harry certainly seem to have taken a liking to Canada, after spending the holiday there. It is expected that they have a permanent home base there in the coming months, but in the meantime, they are understood to be staying in a lush residence on Vancouver Island.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.