Meghan's publicity blitz continues: Duchess makes dumplings with group of female Afghan refugees in California in video released three days after surprise virtual engagement in UK

Meghan visits Southern California Welcome Project for 'cooking and storytelling'

A video has emerged of Meghan Markle cooking traditional Afghan food with a group of 15 women who resettled in the US from Afghanistan.

The Duchess of Sussex created The Welcome Project in 2023 as part of her work with the Archewell Foundation, which she set up together with Prince Harry.

Archewell previously revealed how Meghan had joined the Southern California Welcome Project for an ‘evening of cooking and storytelling’ on February 10.

Now, a clip has now been posted on the Archewell Foundation website of the visit, which shows the Duchess wearing an apron branded with her organisation’s name.

Meghan, 42, was filmed joining the group of women cooking traditional Afghan food including Ashak and Mantuu, which are both types of dumpling.

It comes just days after the Duchess appeared in London via video link to open a new wing of an animal charity named in honour of her late friend Oli Juste – with the announcement of her virtual visit made via her and Harry’s new Sussex.com website.

And the remote charity appearance came shortly after Prince Harry was reported to have expressed an interest in returning to the royal fold in order to help his father, King Charles III, while the monarch is treated for cancer. 

The Duchess of Sussex features in a video about the Southern California Welcome Project

The video shows Meghan Markle visiting The Welcome Project in California on February 10

Meghan is seen cooking traditional Afghan food with a group of 15 women in the new video

The duchess gave an emotional video message last week as she opened the new wing named in memory of her friend

An Archewell press release on Meghan’s Welcome Project visit said the women then discussed ‘their personal stories and the support they find from this intergenerational group of women’.

The visit was in partnership with Mina’s List, an organisation based in New York which has worked with women activists and political leaders in Afghanistan since 2014.

Archewell said that in 2021, Mina’s List helped evacuate and resettle over 2,000 Afghan women and families ‘through independent and coalition efforts’ – many of whom resettled in Southern California.

Mina’s List and Archewell then ‘joined forces to provide community and support to these remarkable women as they begin to rebuild their lives in the US’.

Meghan is said to have been inspired to set up the project following her work with the Hubb Community Kitchen in West London in 2017 which was organised by a group of survivors from the Grenfell Tower fire.

A photo previously issued by Archewell of Meghan at The Welcome Project on February 10

Meghan helped to prepare food at The Welcome Project in California on February 10

Meghan is seen at The Welcome Project on February 10 in a photograph issued by Archewell

Archewell states that the project was launched to create ‘a safe haven and inclusive environment for women who have recently resettled in the US from Afghanistan’.

It adds that the project has ‘a belief in the power of connection and a goal of uplifting communities’, and ‘supports the creation of programming for women who have recently resettled from Afghanistan’.

There are said to be 11 active Welcome Projects across the US ‘designed to foster a sense of belonging through activities including sewing, art, hiking, swimming, photography, storytelling, and cooking’.

Archewell also says: ‘By facilitating women-based programming, The Welcome Project also brings access to critical resources and opportunities that not only supports the women participating in The Welcome Project, but also improves the lives of those around them – their families and their communities.’

The video is located in the ‘programs’ section of the Archewell Foundation website – which is different to the new Sussex.com website that launched earlier this month.

It came days after Meghan appeared in London via video link to open a new wing of an animal charity named in honour of her late friend Oli Juste – with the announcement of her virtual visit also made via her and Harry’s glossy new Sussex.com website.

The Duchess of Sussex emotionally told how dog trainer Mr Juste’s sudden death in January 2022 left her heartbroken as his friends and family gathered at the Mayhew in the north-west of the capital, where the Oli Juste wing was unveiled in his name.

A photo shared on Harry and Meghan’s new website – the subject of controversy because of the prominence of its royal branding – showed a beaming Duchess in a beige coat crouching down and petting a dog.

Meghan Markle paid a touching tribute to her late ‘beloved friend’ Oli Juste

The Duchess of Sussex meeting a Jack Russell called Minnie during a visit to Mayhew in 2019

Meghan Markle has paid a touching tribute to her late ‘beloved friend’ dog-trainer Oli Juste as she opened a new wing of a London animal charity

Meghan had been patron of The Mayhew, said to be her favourite animal charity, since 2019, holding the role in a private capacity after being introduced to it by friend Mr Juste.

But she stepped down from the role in 2022, one year after she and Harry moved to California.

In the video message watched by Mr Juste’s friends and family, Meghan said: ‘A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team at Mayhew who have worked tirelessly to bring this dream to life.

‘It was so important to find a way to celebrate Oli’s memory in a manner that he would have loved.

‘Mayhew is a beacon of hope for those in need and a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together.’

A statement on Sussex.com recounted the duchess’ bond with Mr Juste, saying: ‘They shared many things throughout their friendship, among which was a deep commitment to animal welfare and a love of rescue dogs.’

It added: ‘The Oli Juste Wing is a testament to his unwavering love and commitment to our furry friends, and will improve the lives of countless animals, reminding us all of the power of compassion, connection, and care.’

The remote charity appearance comes days after Prince Harry was reported to have expressed an interest in returning to the royal fold in order to help his father, King Charles III, while the monarch is treated for cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced that His Majesty was undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of the disease on Monday February 5; it had been discovered while the King was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.

A day later, Harry flew to the UK for a very short visit with his father, who continues to carry out his constitutional duties but has stepped back from public appearances.

Since then, reports suggest the Duke of Sussex has expressed an interest among friends to take up a temporary role as a senior royal while his father continues to receive medical care.

The Times earlier reported that Harry and Charles had shared several ‘warm exchanges’ following the King’s diagnosis and his 30-minute visit to Clarence House.

A source told the paper: ‘On all practical levels it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he’s sick. 

‘Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental bond of blood, and there are now pragmatic aspects to consider, with the King and Kate’s wellbeing ­paramount in this.

‘The details of the Clarence House meeting and subsequent conversations are private, but the feeling is that this arrangement could work.’

But royal experts believe that an invite from the palace will not be immediately forthcoming – given previous disparaging comments made by the Duke in a series of interviews and throughout his memoir, Spare.

Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth II’s former press secretary, told MailOnline that any expectation of welcoming Harry back into the fold was ‘a big ask’ after his previous comments and allegations.

He said: ‘He (Harry) has rubbished them for four years. I don’t see a forthcoming invitation from the family (to come back). You have got to remember the late Queen made it very clear either you are in or you are out. 

Harry has recently made positive comments in American media interviews following the launch of the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler, Vancouver in Canada.

The Duke of Sussex told Good Morning America earlier this month the King’s cancer diagnosis could have a ‘reunifying effect’ on the royal family

Charles, 75, has taken a step back from public royal duties following his cancer diagnosis, which was announced earlier this month

He told Good Morning America (GMA) his father’s illness could have a ‘reunifying effect’ on the family, adding: ‘I love my family’.

But Mr Arbiter said attempts at reconciliation may have come too late.

‘I can’t see it going anywhere. Harry did suggest in the (GMA) interview it could result in a reconciliation, but it is not much different to the comment he made almost two years ago when he dropped in on the Queen and told the Today show (on NBC) he was just making sure she was protected and had the right people around her.

‘He is good at the soundbite but this whole Whistler trip seems like a great big PR fest off the back of launching their website.’

Earlier this month the royal couple took a tour to Vancouver, Canada, in preparation for the 2025 Winter Invictus Games, ending it with a lavish gala dinner with 200 guests. 

The Sussexes were captured on video footage reacting to Bublé’s altered version of Frank Sinatra’s My Way

Prince Harry walks to the stage after Bublé’s altered version of My Way

Meghan burst into laughter as Michael Bublé sang an alternative version of Frank Sinatra’s My Way at the Sussexes’ Invictus Games send off – including telling Prince Harry ‘I think we know to stay the hell out of your way’. 

Harry, wearing a dark suit and a black tie, then spoke about the Invictus Games telling the audience that the athletes, who are comprised of injured and sick servicemen and women, embodied ‘courage, leadership, and fortitude.’ 

Meghan and Harry had been expected to head home to Montecito, California following three days of Invictus Games events in Whistler and Vancouver but extended their trip by a night to enjoy a party with athletes and organisers.

Although not part of the official schedule and intended to be held away from the media, the gala at the Vancouver Convention Centre was signposted with black and gold Invictus signs.