The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, will take on four charities and provide much needed support and awareness of their work in London and international spaces.

Markle has been gifted two of Her Majesty the Queen’s patronages, The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and The National Theatre. She will also take on Smart Works and Mayhew, grassroots charities focused on women and animals.

A statement from the Royal Family said: “The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention.

“Her Royal Highness feels she can use her position to focus attention on, and make particular reference to these organisations and the sectors they each represent.”

In the past, Markle has been outspoken on equality, animal rights and the arts. Using this commitment, The Duchess will promote awareness of the organisation’s works. It will extend through to her work with Smart Works, which has already kicked off.

Half of Smart Works’ clients are from an ethnic minority, long-term unemployed and have been unsuccessful with a large number of job applications. Due to the charity’s support, 60 per cent go on to get a job following their visit with the organisation.

Chair and Founder of Smart Works, Juliet Hughes-Hallett, said: “An acknowledged champion of women and their rights worldwide, The Duchess will motivate even more women to come to our centres and get the job that will transform their lives.”

Her support of Mayhew will see the animal protection organisation improve the lives of more dogs, cats and people in communities across London and internationally. It works to reduce the number of animals in need of care through innovative initiatives.

Chief Executive of Mayhew, Caroline Yates, said: “The Duchess has spent many years championing animal welfare, and we are honoured to have our charity represented by such a passionate Patron. We look forward to working closely with The Duchess and hope that together, we can help even more animals and people.”

Over the last month, Markle has held meetings and conducted private visits with each of these organisations and will revisit the organisations over the next few weeks.

“The Duchess of Sussex is looking forward to working closely with these organisations, and her continued work with The Royal Foundation of which she is joint Patron along with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex,” the Royal Family said.