Meghan Markle Just Received FOUR Patronages, and More than One Is a Nod to Her Pre-Royal Life

For what we imagine is sorta like a sorority choosing a philanthropy project, Meghan Markle has been bestowed with not one, not two, but FOUR patronages to oversee as a member of the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth granted the Duchess of Sussex her first official royal patronages on Thursday, which include supporting the arts via the National Theater; access to education via the Association of Commonwealth Universities; support for women with Smart Works, a charity which helps unemployed women regain skills; and animal welfare, through animal organization Mayhew.

While we sorta saw the National Theater one coming (especially since she had secret meetings with the director and was a member of the entertainment industry during her time as an actress on Suits), Kensington Palace gave a sweet reason for the queen’s decision: “The Duchess is a strong believer in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together. Whilst Her Royal Highness spent ten years working in television, her training is in theatre. As well as a double major in theatre and international relations from Northwestern University, which is renowned for its drama programme, Her Royal Highness volunteered at a performing arts after school programme for children in underprivileged school districts in Los Angeles.”

Oooh, OK, Queen Elizabeth. We see you giving Markle’s non-royal background and American university days the thumbs-up.

Another cause that’s near and dear to Markle’s heart: animal welfare. Before moving to London to be with Prince Harry, the duchess was the proud owner of two dogs and supposedly (and tragically) had to give one up in order to make the move. She and Prince Harry have reportedly adopted another pooch, so it’s obvious the Mayhew organization is one that Markle will support enthusiastically. According to Kensington, Mayhew is “an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and people in communities both in London and internationally. Mayhew looks for innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through pro-active community and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care.”

Her third patronage, providing access to education via the “world’s first and oldest international university network and the only accredited organisation representing higher education across all 53 Commonwealth countries” was a cause Markle has championed over the past year during her visit to Fiji and her meeting at King’s College. “As a university graduate, Her Royal Highness is a strong advocate of accessible education for all…” the palace stated.

And, finally, the duchess will continue to support female empowerment through the SmartWorks charity, which helps vulnerable and long-term unemployed women via coaching and interview preparation. Her visit today (cradling her five-month baby bump, no less) was reportedly one of “several times over the last year where she has worked with many women,” although these visits were kept secret from the public.

These four causes, along with her patronage to The Royal Foundation (the Fab Four all head up this one), are basically Markle’s various job titles. Many of her public appearances will revolve around championing these charities.

Yes, we’re already tired for her, too. YGG, duchess.