To mark her 40th birthday, Meghan launched the 40×40 initiative on Archewell. In a light-hearted video, Meghan asked 40 of her friends to dedicate 40 minutes of their time to mentor or support women who have lost their jobs during the pandemic and help them reenter the workforce.
Meghan shared a statement of intent about her new 40×40 initiative on Archewell.
She said that while reflecting on turning forty, and the many things she is ‘grateful for’, she was struck that ‘time’ is ‘among our greatest and most essential gifts’, especially ‘time spent in service to others knowing that it can contribute to incredible change”.
She added:
‘I believe mentorship is one way to help women regain confidence and rebuild their economic strength, and for my birthday I have asked 40 friends, activists, athletes, artists and world leaders to help kick off a global effort by contributing 40 minutes of mentorship to support women re-entering the workforce. With this time, I hope they each help someone advance a professional life on her own terms and I hope that they inspire countless others to give 40 minutes of their time as well.”
Meghan included a video in the launch of 40×40, showing us a chat between the birthday girl and Melissa McCarthy
“It’s my 40th birthday and I’ve got an idea,” Meghan tells McCarthy.
“I know what it is. My first guess is it’s another photoshoot where you’re under a tree looking very peaceful,” Melissa said, referencing Meghan’s recent maternity photoshoot taken in the backyard of their home with Harry and Archie.
“Peaceful under a tree is me every day,” Meghan answered laughing. Melissa, who was wearing gloves and a fascinator, also suggested that she and Meghan get matching tattoos, holding up a composite of them together that reads, “Besties forever.”
“You know, I already have something very similar across my back,” Meghan said.
Finally, Melissa pulls out the big guns, joking, “Are you finally going to do a ‘Suits’ reunion?”
“OK, I love ‘Suits’ but why would I do a ‘Suits’ reunion for my birthday?” Meghan said. You can watch the clip below.
“Why would the cast of ‘Friends’ do a reunion for my birthday? But they did it,” Michelle notes, referencing the recent HBO Max reunion special.
But it was Michelle who laughs the loudest at the end of the call when she spots Prince Harry juggling outside the window.
Meghan also included you in her statement, asking you to pledge 40 minutes of your time to help others “in the way that feels right to you”. Meghan said: “The time that you donate can contribute to a global wave of service and set in motion meaningful impact in our own communities, and across the world.”
Click here for more information about how you can participate.
Participants who have committed to giving 40 minutes of their time to mentor a woman in their community include: Adele, Amanda Gorman, Amanda Nguyen, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Gloria Steinem, José Andrés, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and Stella McCartney.
Many of them took to social media to salute the idea:
It made me so happy to see that even Harry’s workplace supported our duchess:
Princess Eugenie showed her support as well on Instagram wishing a happy birthday to “dear Meghan” and pledging mentoring time to help Meghan’s initiative:
Queen B (Beyoncé) also shared her birthday wishes to Meghan via her official website:
Hillary Clinton also joined:
In the video shared for the launch of 40×40, Meghan also offered us a rare glimpse inside their Californian home.
On the chair next to Meghan is the Hermes Blanket ‘Avalon III’ throw blanket, $1550
She joined the zoom call via her dark grey Apple MacBook computer and on her desk, you can see copies of Meghan’s children’s book, The Bench. The books under laptop are from Taschen – architecture series and Photography: The Definitive Visual History by Tom Ang.
The white paper tray are believed to be from Target
Meghan and Harry may have left the UK, but there’s one British tradition Meghan appears to have embraced wholeheartedly – that of tea and biscuits. The crockery set is from English brand Twinings, which is based in Andover, Hampshire, appropriately from its Burleigh Black Regal peacock collection.
The pattern is described as a ‘contemporary take on a traditional Burleigh design, the Black Regal Peacock collection is characterised by exquisitely detailed birds and ornate edging, bringing majestic charm to every occasion. This teacup is crafted from the finest English earthenware clay, achieving the distinct decoration through a centuries-old technique of transferring from intricately hand-engraved rollers.’
Just in front of the flowers a silver picture frame can be seen, which another camera angle reveals are a photo of Archie.
Three further grainy black and white photos can be seen in a connected frame in front of this, with the central one seeming to show Harry kissing a baby and one on the right potentially showing Meghan holding a young child – the first snap of Lilibet.
For her 40th birthday Meghan chose a very casual and classy look. She styled her white and cream outfit with her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in cognac suede
She accessorized the look by layering two zodiac necklaces by L.A.-based jewelry designer Logan Hollowell: a Taurus constellation necklace for Archie’s star sign and a Gemini necklace for Lilibet.
Hello! reported:
“Each one comes with an 18-inch chain. The necklaces are available in white sapphire and diamond as well as rose gold, yellow gold and white gold. They are part of a larger Constellation collection from the brand which also includes rings and earrings.
“The Zodiac necklaces in my collection are made here in Los Angeles with conflict-free diamonds and 100% recycled gold,” Logan Hollowell said in a statement. “Each is designed with the intention that its wearer feels more connected to their true self and reminded that they are on their divine path.””
Meghan added And Diana’s Cartier watch.
I’m sure Meghan had a perfect day with Harry, Archie, Lili, and Doria. Tomorrow it’s my turn – I will be turning 29. So far, we don’t really have any plans; let’s wait and see what my husband are up to
Happy maam meghan, Please help me maam, Because no money start my business, my facebook @ instagram is good for the business.
Meghan God bless you and your family , creative ideas on your 40th birthday on launching 40×40 to give quality time to women in need . May the lord continue bless you .
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