For some, turning 40 would be a landmark life event worthy of a blow-out party and a "birthday week" of celebrations. For Meghan Markle though, she rang in her big day snuggled in cosy loungewear – and heels – and with an idea for giving back.
The Duchess of Sussex marked her 40th birthday with an impassioned plea to friends to dedicate their time to women reentering the work force.
In a video shared on the website of Archewell, Meghan's foundation with her husband Prince Harry, the former actress and activist reached out to her famous friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to "mentor a woman who is mobilising back into the workforce".
In a post on the website, she added that she'd been reflecting on how time is "among one of our greatest and most essential gifts". "Time with our loved ones, time doing the things we love, time spent learning, laughing, growing, and the sacred time we have on this earth", she added.
"To that last point, and with my 40th lap around the sun in mind, it made me wonder: what would happen if we all committed 40 minutes to helping someone else or to mentoring someone in need? And then what would happen if we asked our friends to do the same?"
She extended the plea out to listeners, readers and fans: "If you are able, please join us and pledge 40 minutes today in service of others in the way that feels right to you. The time that you donate can contribute to a global wave of service and set in motion meaningful impact in our own communities, and across the world."
A slew of high-profile friends have already jumped on board Meghan's idea, with Adele, Stella McCartney, British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and poet Amanda Gorman all pledging to donate their time.
And rather than dress extravagantly for the announcement, Meghan chose a laid back and elegant outfit for her first appearance since giving birth to baby Lilibeth two months ago. Sat at her impressive sand-coloured desk positioned in front of a statement fireplace, Meghan wore a cream vest under a soft cream cardigan and matching joggers rolled up slightly.
She added some glamour with her trusty camel Manolo Blahnik 'BB' Pumps In Luggage Suede. She also added a charming nod to her children – Archie and Lilibeth – in her new necklaces by Logan Hollowell, which feature the zodiac signs of them both, with Taurus for Archie and Gemini for Lilibeth.
Her hair was worn in a relaxed and elegantly tousled up-do, with two waved tendrils framing her face, while her makeup was soft and natural, with a subtle smokey eye helping them pop.
We also couldn't help but swoon over her decor, with an Hermes blanket draped over her desk chair, a hunk of white crystal on her desk easing the vibes in the space and her expertly chosen fine China teacup and saucer by Burleigh Pottery, perched on a metal tray alongside some biscuits.
Things aren't looking too shabby for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
