Meghan Markle reveals secret visit to animal charity after quitting as a royal – and walking with her dogs in Canada

MEGHAN Markle today revealed she secretly visited an animal charity before she fled the UK after quitting as a royal.

The Duchess of Sussex was pictured beaming as she headed to Mayhew – announcing the visit the same day Kate Middleton launched a whistlestop tour to promote a major early childhood project.

Mayhew, in Kensal Green, North West London, is one of Meghan’s patronages that she will continue to support despite stepping down from the Royal Family.

The photos were shared as Kate prepares for a whistlestop tour through the UK today, while Meghan’s father Thomas revealed fears in a candid interview the next time he would see his daughter was at his own funeral.

And the visit comes after the former “Suits” star, 38, was spotted happily walking her own dogs with baby Archie in a wooded area of Vancouver Island, Canada.

The dogs, a beagle named Guy and a black Labrador named Oz, were being watched by two royal protection officers from a distance as the happy family trotted along what looked like a trail.

But despite relocating from the UK, the duchess threw her support behind her patronage this morning as the couple’s Instagram account shared photos of her patting a dog and meeting workers.

Writing on Instagram, Sussex Royal said: “Earlier this month, The Duchess of Sussex popped in to see the amazing people at Mayhew to hear about the incredible progress made throughout the festive period.

“The Duchess of Sussex, having been proud patron of Mayhew since January 2019 and long understanding the connection between animal and community welfare, applauds the people at Mayhew for the vital work that they do every day.

“From cats and dogs who have found new homes to animal welfare cases handled in the community – @TheMayhew believes in the power of togetherness and the special bond between humans and animals.”

The last few posts on SussexRoyal appear to reassure the couple’s charities they aren’t abandoning them, despite stepping down from their roles as royalty.

Harry and Meghan will no longer use their HRH titles under the change, while they will also pay pay the £2.4m of taxpayer money spent on refurbishing their Frogmore Cottage home. Prince Harry also lost his military titles.

However, the couple will continue to support their patronages.

After crunch talks with the Queen over so-called Megxit, the palace said: “With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.

“While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.”

It comes after Meghan reportedly told close friends that Harry quitting his royal role is “the best thing that could ever happen” to him

A source told The Daily Mail: “She said that like her, his spirit was being crushed and she simply couldn’t bear to see him suffer anymore.”

Harry, 35, flew from London to his new home in North America on Monday night, following his decision to leave the Royal Family.

He said the move to step back had come after “months of talks after so many years of challenges.”

“I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option,” Harry said.

Meanwhile, it was claimed Harry and Meghan are relying on Doria Ragland for advice during the drastic changes.