Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went out into the snow in Bristol, England, today, February 1, for a series of engagements, including a visit to the Old Vic Theatre and a walkabout to meet fans waiting out in the cold. But it was an unannounced stop at the One25 charity that’s definitely been the standout of the day.
One25 is an organization that specializes in “enabling women to break free from street sex work, addiction, and other life-controlling issues and build new, independent lives.” The work it does is very much in line with Markle’s history of working toward female empowerment, and shining a light on the organization’s work feels similar to the work Princess Diana did during her life for causes, like HIV/AIDS, that often carry a public stigma.
But Meghan being Meghan—the type who has big ideas she emails her staff about early in the morning—she decided to take an additional step during the visit. While helping pack meals that would be distributed to women in need, the duchess took it upon herself to write messages to help lift their spirits.
According to the Daily Mail‘s royal reporter Rebecca English, Markle said, “I saw this project this woman had started somewhere in the States on a school lunch program. On each of the bananas she wrote an affirmation, to make the kids feel really, like, empowered. It was the most incredible idea—this small gesture.”
She then took charge of the activity stating, “I’m in charge of the banana messaging!” before handwriting messages like “You are strong,” “You are brave,” “You are special,” and “You are loved.”
It’s a thoughtful gesture that will hopefully brighten the day of the women. More important, though, it’s a royal stamp of approval that may allow even more women to be served by the charity.