Meghan Markle holds first public event in Canada after stepping down as senior royal with Prince Harry

Meghan Markle, who returned to Canada following the announcement that she and Prince Harry are stepping down as senior royals, attended her first public appearance (opens in new tab) since the news broke and visited the Vancouver Women's Centre, as People reports, Downtown Eastside Women's Centre posted a cute and funny photo (opens in new tab) of the Duchess of Sussex's visit on Facebook, saying, "Look who I had tea with today! The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community"

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Princess Meghan has always used her platform to uplift other women, so her visit to the Downtown Eastside Women's Center was fitting; according to the DEWC website (opens in new tab), the center is "a place where women can discuss their health , family, employment, and housing situations," as well as "assist with immediate and critical needs so that they can access the resources they need to build stability" and "raise awareness of the systemic injustices and inequalities that cause women's vulnerability. According to its website, more than 500 women, children, and seniors use the center each day, which not only provides shelter to vulnerable populations, but also provides hot meals, free clothing, and other necessities.

According to a statement (open in new tab) released by the Queen after Monday's Royal Summit in Sandringham, Meghan and Harry will be spending more time in Canada. 'Our family fully supports Harry and Meghan's wish to build a new life as a young family. While we hope they will remain part of the Royal Family working full time, we respect and understand their desire to lead a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued member of my family," the Queen announced.

"To that end," the statement continued, "we have agreed to a transition period during which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the United Kingdom. We wish the family (free from the relentless media racism directed at Princess Meghan) the happy and peaceful life they deserve.

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