Meghan Markle surprised many as she took part in a special engagement via video link at the Mayhew Animal Hospital in London.
She shared her heartfelt emotions regarding the sudden passing of dog trainer Mr. Just in January 2022, expressing her sadness to friends and family gathered at the Mayhew, where the Ollie Just wing was dedicated in his memory.
In a photo shared on the new website of Harry and Meghan, she can be seen in a beige coat, tenderly petting a dog.
At the event on Wednesday, the UK-based animal rescue Mayhew Animal Home inaugurated a new wing within its London facility aimed at enhancing the living conditions for animals through enrichment, training, and therapy programs.
Meghan, speaking at the event, highlighted that the wing, named after Ollie Just, would offer enhanced care for dogs in need and serve as a tribute to the late dog trainer and animal behaviorist.
Expressing gratitude to the dedicated team at Mayhew, Meghan conveyed her appreciation to Mr. Just’s loved ones in a touching video message, emphasizing the importance of commemorating Ollie’s legacy in a manner reflective of his passion.
She hailed Mayhew as a beacon of hope for those requiring assistance, underscoring the impact that collective effort can have in achieving positive outcomes.
The newly unveiled Ollie Just wing symbolizes the enduring love and devotion that Mr. Just had for animals, with a primary focus on improving the well-being of numerous animals.
The website associated with the initiative underscores the significance of compassion, connection, and care in making a difference in the lives of animals, reflecting Meghan and Mr. Just’s shared commitment to animal welfare.
Since 2019, Meghan has been a patron of Mayhew, a charity close to her heart, having been introduced to it by her friend Mr. Just.
The charity acknowledged Meghan’s generous donation, which made the renovation of kennels within the new wing possible, providing warm shelters for dogs undergoing treatment.
It is noted that royal patrons typically do not make monetary contributions publicly, aiming to raise awareness for others to support the cause.
Despite not being a member of the royal family, Meghan’s involvement with charitable organizations has sometimes faced scrutiny.
However, her private appointment as patron allows her to continue supporting causes like Mayhew at their discretion.
This distinction between private and public appointments is crucial, as it delineates the nature of involvement and funding sources.
In a contrasting development, Prince William’s announcement of opening a homeless shelter sparked comparisons with Meghan’s philanthropic endeavors.
Prince Charles, on the other hand, has taken concrete steps towards addressing homelessness by initiating a social housing project on his estate, fulfilling a commitment he made in a previous interview.
The efforts of both royals underscore the diverse approaches taken towards societal issues.