Meghan Markle holds secret 'power meeting' with Michelle Obama in London

Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle held secret talks in London on Monday night
Getty

The Duchess of Sussex held a “power meeting” with Michelle Obama in London last night to discuss their shared causes such as boosting girls’ education, the Evening Standard has learned.

The conversation between two of the most high-profile women in the world followed the former US first lady’s “inspirational” sell-out speech at the Royal Festival Hall, which Meghan attended.

A friend who was also at the event said Meghan “had a long private audience with Michelle.

They spoke at length about the importance of supporting and empowering women across all cultures and communities.

Michelle Obama at London's Southbank

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They also talked about shared experiences of pregnancy and raising children, plus shared causes including girls’ education.”

The friend added that the duchess and Mrs Obama had formed a strong bond and were expected to stay in close contact.

Prince Harry has met the Obamas on a number of occasions. In 2015 he visited America to promote the Invictus Games and last year Harry interviewed Barack Obama in his role as guest editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Harry and Barack Obama have met on a number of occasions (Getty Images for the Invictus Games)
Getty Images for the Invictus Ga

The friend also revealed that Meghan felt she had been welcomed in London. The Standard understands that many of the charities to which she is due to be appointed royal patron in the new year will be London-orientated.

The duchess’s meeting came after Mrs Obama offered advice to her about coping with her public role in an interview with Good Housekeeping magazine. She urged Meghan “to take some time and don’t be in a hurry to do anything” before tackling more ambitious work promoting her causes.

Last night Mrs Obama was discussing her memoir Becoming with the novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The palace today confirmed the duchess attended the event in a private capacity.

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