Meghan Markle and Malala Yousafzai Make an Elegant Exit from Claridge’s Afternoon Tea

In a notable return to public life, Meghan Markle flaunted a striking £25,000 ensemble during an afternoon tea gathering with Malala Yousafzai at Claridge’s in London. This marks the Duchess of Sussex’s first public appearance in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II‘s funeral in September 2022.

The duo, captured leaving the luxury establishment in Mayfair, was seen sharing an affectionate hug before parting ways. Meghan’s outfit featured a camel-colored coat from Tove Studio valued at £1,695, paired with a beige sweater from Crew Company priced at £526, along with Ralph Lauren trousers worth £1,900. Her accessories included a £7,000 Chanel handbag and Yves Saint Laurent shoes estimated at £1,000, complemented by a diamond and emerald necklace from Logan Hollowell valued at £16,200.

The ladies enjoyed a traditional British afternoon tea, reportedly indulging in cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream—scones being a known favorite of Meghan’s. Their meeting aligns with their previous collaboration in October 2020, where they discussed the critical issue of education for girls during a virtual event on the International Day of the Girl.

Prior to this visit, Meghan has largely stayed away from central London due to ongoing safety concerns. Despite transiting through Heathrow multiple times, she has avoided prominent public appearances.

Malala, who gained worldwide recognition after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls’ education, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, becoming the youngest recipient at just 17 years old. She now resides in Birmingham after her journey from Pakistan.

While the Duchess had shifted her focus to her brand, As Ever, following this recent outing, it indicates her possible re-engagement with philanthropic efforts, especially within the domain of girls’ education.

The encounter occurred in the opulent surroundings of Claridge’s Foyer and Reading Room, a venue known for its Art Deco aesthetics and live piano music. The cost of afternoon tea there is £95 per person, with champagne offered for an additional £30, which Malala opted to skip.

With surrounding security measures—and police vehicles stationed outside—dining at Claridge’s is not without its challenges for high-profile individuals. The pair remained nearly secluded throughout their meal, emphasizing their commitment to privacy amid ongoing security debates involving the Sussexes.

Their previous virtual discussion in 2020 took place amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, where Harry also participated, underscoring the importance of accessible education for young women. Meghan emphasized, “When young girls have access to education, everyone wins.”

This tea also follows their recent transition back to the UK, with the Sussexes returning just in time for the new school year for their children. Only days prior, Meghan announced a festive range through her brand, including an advent calendar inspired by her life in California, which retails for £112.

In an interesting twist, a British vicar who suggested a more affordable, charity-oriented advent calendar faced backlash online from supporters of Meghan, illustrating the passionate divide surrounding her public persona.