The Duchess of Sussex spontaneously wrote empowering messages on the fruit of sex worker’s packed lunches during a visit to an outreach centre.
She and Prince Harry made an unannounced trip to the One25 charity in Bristol, which helps the workers break free from a life of violence, poverty and addiction on the streets.
Meghan, who is expecting the couple’s first child, wrote phrases such as: ‘You are strong’, ‘You are special’, ‘You are brave’ and ‘You are loved’.
She took the initiative as she helped put some meals together and asked: ‘Actually do you have a Sharpie, a marker? I have an idea – a message.
‘I was thinking about this the other day. I saw this programme this woman had started in the States on a school lunch programme when on each of the bananas she wrote an affirmation or something to make the kids feel really empowered.
‘I thought it was the most incredible idea – this small gesture.’
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When she was asked if Harry might like to also write a message she said: ‘I’m in charge of banana messaging.’
Bananas could have a special meaning for the couple as Meghan famously posted a picture of two spooning on her Instagram page when she and Harry began dating in 2016.
The night outreach service runs from a fully equipped van, which offers food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms and a safe space to talk.
Harry and Meghan were shown around and took seats inside the large vehicle, which is stocked with blankets, ready for the freezing temperatures amid winter snow storms.
The Duke and Duchess also privately met a former sex worker who has been helped by One25 to escape from a life on the streets.
Sam, 43, told Meghan and Harry about how she was groomed at the age of 14 into prostitution, and became addicted to drugs until One25 helped her to get clean and keep her children.
Meghan described the charity as ‘incredible’, while Harry told volunteers: ‘What you guys are doing is absolutely fantastic.’
Anna Smith, One25’s chief executive, praised the Duchess, saying: ‘Meghan showed she really understood that our women need love and support to help them trust and move on.’
The Duke and Duchess were given a turquoise knitted sock monkey with buttons for eyes, bearing a tag with the words ‘Wishing you and Sock Monkey joy and adventure on life’s travels xxx’.
The toy was made by a volunteer from Pause – a service run by the charity which helps women who have had two or more children removed from their care.
The charity’s drop-in centre in St Paul’s offers sex-workers practical and emotional support, such as providing lunch, advocacy or delivering crisis care.
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