Meghan Markle’s first solo project as a royal made a maor statement: The Duchess of Sussex published a cookbook, containing 50 recipes from survivors of London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower fire — which claimed the lives of 72 residents of the public housing block.
The cookbook, Together: Our Community Kitchen, officially launched today, with Markle joined by her mom and Prince Harry.
Markle gave a speech where she said, “This is more than a cookbook, and what I mean by that is the power of food is more than just the meal itself. It’s the story behind it. When we get to know the story of the recipe, you get to know the person behind it.”
“That’s what we’re talking about in terms of coming together to really engage and talk and to be able to celebrate what connects us rather than what divides us,” she continued. “That, I believe, is the ethos of ‘together.’“
Love this!
Meghan Markle embraces women at the launch of a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace pic.twitter.com/l31LCgCT9L
— Derek Momodu (@DelMody) September 20, 2018
The cookbook’s proceeds will support Hubb Community Kitchen, which is based out of the Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Center, where Grenfell victims went to cook after being displaced from their homes. (“Hubb” means “love” in Arabic.)
Even though they weren’t physically there on the launch day, Markle’s best friends supported her virtually. Notably, she wore a skirt by Jewish designer Misha Nonoo — rumored matchmaker of her and Prince Harry.
And, of course, her Jewish BFF Jessica Mulroney, plus Serena Williams and others, have given their public support to the project.
Mulroney posted on Instagram, “Women supporting women. Life is a all about sharing, laughing and #cookingtogether. This is more than a cookbook, these are beautiful stories and the ‘healing power of sharing food.’ Link to purchase the book and support this meaningful cause in bio. Very proud of you today.”
Even though there’s no mention of Meghan — simply “you” — we all know who she’s talking about.
Serena Williams, fresh off the crazy U.S. Open finals (which we have some thoughts about), wrote a similarly heartwarming message about Markle’s project. Williams also posted a photo of the cookbook on Instagram and wrote, “I used to call you Meghan (and I still do)” — awww — “but dear Duchess of Sussex your first project ‘Together’ a cookbook bringing women of all cultures together. I could not be more excited about it and proud of you. It’s beautiful – diversity, inclusivity, coming together in grief or joy – there is just so much love.”
Abigail Spencer, her Suits co-star, also posted about the book, tweeting a link to purchase the book with a message about her “dear Meghan Duchess of Sussez brought her love of food & empowering women TOGETHER.”‘
And of course, super famous friend Priyanka Chopra also posted about the book. Chopra — newly engaged to Nick Jonas (yes, of the Jonas Brothers, and yes, we’re just confused as you are) — wrote, “So proud of you for this new endeavour Meghan. This is everything you always stood for. Women supporting women. Supporting communities. Bringing Togetherness. Here you do it again.. Keep making the world smile babe! ❤💋🎉🙏🏽”
This project is widely celebrated for its emphasis on diversity. Markle said at the launch, “I feel so proud to live in a city that can have so much diversity.”
If you wanted an image which best describes how Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is changing the face of the British Royal Family, I say this one does it … pic.twitter.com/dQRLsPOO2i
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 20, 2018
Header Image by Ben Stansall
