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They may no longer be working royals, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made it abundantly clear they intend to lead a life of service anyway.
True to their word, the royal couple have reached out to those in need by offering a donation to help a women’s shelter in Texas in the US through their Archewell Foundation.
Their surprise offer came after winter storm Uri wreaked havoc throughout the state recently, leaving the Genesis Women's Shelter & Support in Dallas with collapsed ceilings and burst pipes.
“Today, the news of our damages reached Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!” Genesis tweeted. “Through their nonprofit, they are supporting us by replacing the roof at our transitional housing facility & helping us meet our immediate needs. THANK YOU, ARCHEWELL FOUNDATION!”
Genesis offers support and services to around 3 700 women and children a year who need emergency shelter, counselling and pro-bono legal services.
The donation of an undisclosed amount from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex comes at a critical time.
The organisation had to close its doors for the first time in 35 years after the brutal storm left millions of Texans without power and caused flooding. It also comes at a time when domestic violence cases have been on the rise with people being stuck indoors.
The damage and devastation caused by the back-to-back storms in Texas have been estimated at $50 billion.
“We were notified that through the actions of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s nonprofit, Archewell Foundation, that Prince Harry and Meghan will make a donation to help us get back on our feet,” said Jan Langbein, the CEO of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support.
“Not only will this gift provide for our critical needs, it shines an international spotlight on violence against women and children, letting survivors know they are not alone.”
The couple’s donation through their non-profit, comes after Buckingham Palace announced that they would no longer have royal duties in the wake of their departure to the US last year.
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“Following conversations with the duke, the queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the statement said.“The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the duke and duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the royal family.”
They do “respect the decision but they always made clear they were committed to doing those roles”, a statement released by the Sussexes’ office said. “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
SOURCES: THEGUARDIAN.COM, TOWNANDCOUNTRYMAG.COM, DAILYMAIL.CO.UK, PEOPLE.COM, DALLASNEWS.COM
