meghan markle waving

Meghan Markle cuddles puppies on Mayhew animal charity visit

The Duchess of Sussex was visiting her new patronage

Content Managing Editor
Updated: January 16, 2019
© Photo: Rex

Just days after she was announced as the new patron of Mayhew, the Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the animal welfare charity in Kensal Green, London. Meghan, who is a proud dog owner herself, was given a warm welcome from staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.

One of her welcoming committee however gave Meghan a chance to show how perfectly she's fitting into the royal family. When Peggy McEachrom gave the mum-to-be a cheeky compliment, the American former actress knew exactly how to handle it.

"What a lovely lady you are," Peggy said. "May God bless you. And you’re a fat lady!" she added - gesturing towards the Duchess' growing baby bump.

Quick as a flash, Meghan roared with laugher. "I’ll take it!" she giggled.

Meghan looked gorgeous for her animal-friendly outing, rocking a cream maternity dress by H&M, Dean Davidson earrings, and an Armani coat. She wore her hair down in loose waves and kept her makeup to a minimum, instead sporting a radiant pregnancy glow. The mother-to-be has interacted with Mayhew before, but this was her first official visit in her new role as patron.

Let's take a look at the best photos from her day out…

© Photo: Rex

Meghan is bumping along nicely! The Duchess showed off her pregnancy body in a fitted H&M maternity dress, the MAMA fine knit dress.

© Photo: Getty Images

A closer look at Meghan's outfit, which she completed with Manolo Blahnik nude heels.

© Photo: Twitter

Animal lover Meghan was told about the various charity initiatives, which include animal therapy visits, working with homeless people and their pets, animal welfare schemes such as the Trap, Neuter and Return programme, and international projects including dog rabies vaccinations in Kabul.

© Photo: Twitter

Meghan toured the facilities and met members of the community, as well as some adorable animals who have been helped by the charity.

The Duchess fell in love with Jack Russell cross Minnie, who is up for adoption. Meghan wanted to take her home, but said: "We can't take another dog before the baby as our hands are too full!"

© Photo: Twitter

Meghan meets ex-resident Maggie (previously known as Truffle), with her new owner Emma. The Jack Russell puppy was rescued from a suspected puppy farm in October last year.

© Photo: Twitter

The mum-to-be shares a Labrador with Prince Harry, although the couple have been keeping her name a secret. Previous reports claimed the dog was called Oz, but during a visit to Sussex last year, Meghan revealed that the Labrador was actually a "she" and that people keep "getting her name wrong".

© Photo: Getty Images

Mayhew aims to helps animals by providing veterinary care and educating people on responsible pet ownership. Established in 1886, the charity also works with homelessness charities across London to ensure people and their animal companions can remain together. It also runs a Pet Refuge programme to provide shelter and care for the pets of people in crisis.

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