She may have to remain poised and serious when on royal engagements, but the Duchess of Sussex has now given a rare glimpse at her sense of humour.
The 37-year-old, who is six months pregnant with her first child, was meeting staff, volunteers and beneficiaries at her new patronage, the animal charity Mayhew, on Wednesday when one woman made a bold comment to the mum-to-be.
“Lovely lady, you are! May the good lord always bless you. And you’re a fat lady,” the woman said, motioning to Meghan’s growing baby bump.
The duchess was perfectly gracious in response, laughing and replying: “I’ll take it.”
Hannah Furness, a royal correspondent for UK’s Daily Telegraph, captured the shocking moment on Twitter.
Meghan was meeting residents who have all been helped by dog charity Mayhew, of which she was made Patron of last week. Today marked her first visit in her new role. The 37-year-old will work with the organisation to raise awareness for the work they do to improve the lives of animals and people in London.
Wearing a simple beige fitted dress, reportedly by H&M, Meghan proudly showed off her growing baby bump as she kept a protective hand over it throughout most of the visit.
She coupled the dress with a matching Armani coat, a stylish tote by Stella McCartney, the designer of her evening reception wedding gown, and rocked matching heels.
Meghan even got to hold one of the rescue’s pups on her visit. She especially took a liking to a Jack Russell cross, Mini, who is being put up for adoption. The duchess was heard to say “we can’t take another dog before the baby as our hands are too full”.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to welcome their bundle of joy to the world in the UK spring. The newlyweds will move out of Kensington Palace this year into a property gifted by the Queen in preparation for the arrival of their baby.