The Duchess of Sussex had an online chat with clients of a UK charity which trains and dresses unemployed women for interviews.

Meghan launched a charity clothing collection with Smart Works last September, and in the virtual call one year on she heard from three women who were helped by the charity.

The former Suits star hailed the “confidence” the clothes bring, which can propel women on to “the next layer of success”.

Speaking to the three women, she said: “People can say that so much of Smart Works is about the clothes themselves, but it’s really not.

“All of that stuff is the exterior, but it’s what it does for you on the inside that ends up being the best accessory.

“Right? It’s the confidence, it’s what is built within, that is the piece that you walk out of that room with and walk into the interview with that will take you to the next layer of success.”

The collection launched by Meghan last September included workwear essentials from an elegant blazer and well-cut trousers by Jigsaw, to a tote bag which fits all the essentials needed for an interview from John Lewis & Partners.

A classic dress, flattering to all sizes, from Marks & Spencer, and a crisp white shirt from the womenswear designer and friend of the duchess, Misha Nonoo, completed the range.

The range was launched in partnership with John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer, Jigsaw and Misha Nonoo.

For two weeks, items were available on a 1:1 model, meaning that for every item bought by a customer, another was given to help a woman get back into the workplace.

Smart Works CEO, Kate Stephens said: “The Smart Set Capsule Collection has been a revolution for our wardrobes.

“When we meet a client, who wants to look chic and smart, we have four beautiful wardrobe essentials we know we can reach for. 

“The collection has elevated the Smart Works experience for so many of our clients and the generosity of our supporters means we’ll be able to continue supporting women with pieces from the collection for the year ahead as well.” 

Speaking in September 2019 on the day she launched the collection, Meghan said: “Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact.”