Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to visit the duchy over which they hold a ruling title - the county of Sussex.
The Duke and Duchess of the southern English region will embark on a variety of engagements next week, beginning their tour on October 3.
Most significantly, the trip will include a visit to Survivor’s Network.
Survivor’s Network is a charity founded by female survivors of sexual abuse. According to its website, the organisation ‘offers a range of professional relevant services to survivors of any gender aged 14+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence.’
Some American publications have noted that this visit comes at a pivotal moment in US (and global) history - one year after the dawn of the #MeToo movement at large, and at the zenith of accusations against Senate nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Her visit to a sexual assault survivors charity, run by women, appears to be sending a clear message about where she stands on the issue.
Markle has been an ardent feminist and advocate for women since the age of 11 and appears to be continuing on this mission whilst in her Royal role.
Back in February, before her marriage to Prince Harry, the former actress attended the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London with the 'fab four.'
During the press conference, she praised the Me Too and Time's Up movements, saying: '[I] think right now in the climate that we're seeing so many campaigns, I mean, Me Too and Time's Up, there is no better time to continue to shine a light on women feeling empowered and people really having to support them—men included in that.'
Whether intentional or not, this royal visit sends a clear message about believing and supporting victims of abuse.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
