06 June 2021

Harry and Meghan ask people to support women’s groups rather than send gifts

06 June 2021

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have asked well-wishers to support organisations helping women rather than send them gifts following the birth of their daughter.

Meghan gave birth to her second child – Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor – on Friday at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California.

A post on the couple’s Archewell Foundation website said: “For those inquiring on sending gifts, we would ask that you support or learn more about these organizations working for women and girls: Girls Inc, Harvest Home, CAMFED or Myna Mahila Foundation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Endeavour Fund Awards (PA Archive)

“While the Duke and Duchess are on parental leave, Archewell will continue to do important work and publish stories on the site. We look forward to seeing you!”

Girls Inc, a US-based non-profit organisation, aims to “inspire and empower” girls aged five to 18 through various programmes, while Harvest Home supports homeless pregnant women and their babies.

CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) aims to improve girls’ education in Africa, while the Myna Mahila Foundation provides jobs for women in India.

Responding to the couple’s announcement, CAMFED tweeted: “We’re thrilled for your family & you can rest assured we’re here to make the world a better place for all of us, by supporting girls to learn, thrive and lead.”

Harry and Meghan revealed they were expecting a girl in March during their interview with Oprah Winfrey.

The new baby is the Queen’s 11th great-grandchild, and the first to be born since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh in April.

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