Meghan Markle Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner for Afghan Women Amid Professional Separation from Prince Harry

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving dinner for Afghan women resettling in the United States. The event, organized in collaboration with Mina’s List, highlighted community building through storytelling, poetry, and shared experiences. This solo appearance by Markle comes as reports of a “professional separation” between her and Prince Harry continue to make headlines.

A Community-Focused Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving dinner, part of the Welcome Project initiative launched by the Archewell Foundation in 2023, provided a safe and supportive space for Afghan women who have recently resettled in the U.S. Participants shared personal stories, read poetry, and enjoyed a meal designed to foster gratitude and resilience. Meghan expressed her appreciation to the attendees, noting the importance of such gatherings in strengthening cultural connections.

Each participant was gifted cookware sets to prepare for the holiday season, symbolizing the spirit of community and generosity that the event promoted.

Meghan Markle’s Official Statement

In an official statement released on Thursday, Meghan Markle highlighted the significance of Mina’s List in creating safe spaces for resettled Afghan women. “This initiative — led by the partner organization Mina’s List — has spent the past year building community through storytelling and creating a safe space for women who have resettled in the U.S. from Afghanistan,” the statement read.

Markle also shared her excitement for future collaborations that continue to empower women and strengthen these connections.

Professional Separation from Prince Harry

While Meghan hosted the event solo, Prince Harry was on a separate mission, traveling to Canada and New York to promote the upcoming 2025 Invictus Games. This recent pattern of independent appearances has fueled reports of a professional separation between the couple.

Insiders suggest that “scheduling conflicts” have led to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex pursuing individual projects. Notably, Meghan’s exclusive interview from the Thanksgiving dinner was published online almost simultaneously with the release of Prince Harry’s Netflix trailer for an upcoming polo documentary.

Meghan Markle’s Return to the Spotlight

Though Meghan has been relatively low-profile throughout 2024, her recent engagement marks a meaningful step back into public life. The event underscores her commitment to causes close to her heart, even as she navigates separate professional endeavors from her husband.

About the Welcome Project

The Welcome Project, spearheaded by the Archewell Foundation, focuses on supporting Afghan women resettling in the U.S. Prince Harry and Meghan had previously visited the San Antonio branch in March, demonstrating their shared commitment to the cause.

This Thanksgiving dinner continues the project’s legacy, showcasing the Duchess of Sussex’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices can be heard.

As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear to chart distinct professional paths, their respective initiatives remain deeply rooted in shared values of compassion and community. Meghan’s Thanksgiving event exemplifies her dedication to fostering meaningful connections and empowering women, even amid shifting dynamics in their public and professional lives.