Meghan Markle's Maternity Leave Has Allegedly Ended, She Will Launch a Women's Workwear Collection

Meghan Markle’s maternity leave is reportedly coming to an end as the Duchess of Sussex is set to launch her new fashion collection for charity next week.

According to Daily Mail, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Meghan would attend the September 12 launch event, marking her first official work engagement since welcoming her and Prince Harry’s son Archie in May.

Meghan collaborated with several designers to create a capsule collection of women’s workwear that will benefit her patronage, Smart Works.

In January, Meghan became the royal patron of Smart Works, a charity that helps mostly disadvantaged women with appropriate clothing and coaching tips for job interviews.

BIRTHING THE INITIATIVE

Six months later, the former actress announced her idea for a capsule collection that would help further the mission of Smart Works.

In the September issue of British Vogue which she guest-edited, Meghan noted that some of the donated outfits do not adequately meet the needs of their clients.

MEGHAN'S MOVE

She wrote, per PEOPLE:

“To help with this, I asked Marks & Spencer, John Lewis & Partners, Jigsaw and my friends, the designer Mischa Nonoo if they were willing to design a capsule collection of more classic options for a workwear wardrobe.”

Not only were Meghan’s designer buddies interested, but they also agreed to donate an item from the collection to Smart Works for each one that is purchased.

“Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together,” the duchess added.

MORE LAUNCH DETAILS

Items in the capsule collection will reportedly include workwear essentials like shirts, trousers, blazers, dresses, and bags. They will be unveiled to the public on Thursday, September 12 which, as noted by Harper’s Bazaar, is a day before the London Fashion Week commences.

According to the publication, a statement from the Palace also outlines some of the duties Meghan will carry out at the launch, including giving a speech and attending a panel discussion with Smart Works’ reps.

A BRIEF LOOK AT THE PROJECT

Last month, Meghan gave the public a sneak peek into the initiative’s progress. In a clip posted to her and Harry’s Instagram, the royal mom makes a surprise appearance at a photoshoot for the collection.

The Duchess of Sussex was also seen taking part in some behind-the-scene work, including styling several women and clapping with glee as she checked out some of the finished work on a computer.

A BUSY MATERNITY BREAK

Although Meghan has been on maternity leave since giving birth to son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor on May 6, she has made several appearances in the time since then.

The 38-year-old was at Trooping the Colour with other members of the Royal family to celebrate the Queen’s birthday in June, watched a few Wimbledon games in July, and even shared a moment with Beyoncé when she and Harry attended the London premiere of “The Lion King.”