Meghan Markle Celebrates 40th Birthday By Creating A Charitable Mentorship Program

Meghan Markle turned 40 on August 4 and celebrated her birthday by announcing 40X40, a new Archewell charitable campaign that promotes mentorship for women who want to get back into the workforce post-pandemic. Markle shared the details of the campaign in a video with her friend, Gilmore Girls actress Melissa McCarthy.

“It’s my 40th birthday, and I’ve got an idea,” said Meghan, sitting behind a desk, while her Beagle sleeps by the fireplace. After some suggestions from McCarthy, Markle reveals her idea. “Because I’m turning 40, I’m asking 40 friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor a woman who is mobilizing back into the workforce. Over two million in the U.S. alone and tens of millions around the world have lost their job due to COVID. And I think if we all do it, and all commit to some sort of service, we can create the ripple effect.”

“Yes times forty,” McCarthy responded. “Is it okay if I still do it in the hat?”

Markle shared more details about the campaign in a letter on the Archewell website.

“In reflecting on my 40th birthday and the many things I am grateful for, I’m struck that time is among our greatest and most essential gifts: Time with our loved ones, time doing the things we love, time spent learning, laughing, growing, and the sacred time we have on this earth,” she wrote. “Amongst the most valuable gifts of time is also time spent in service to others knowing that it can contribute to incredible change.” The website includes a mentorship pledge.

On social media, the royals celebrated her 40th birthday and program with photographs taken during her best moments during her time at Windsor Castle. Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a picture of Markle during her 2018 tour of the South Pacific, while the Royal Family Twitter account shared family photos, including one of Markle and her husband Prince Harry with their son Archie during their visit to South Africa in 2019.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall also wished Markle a happy birthday through Twitter and added another message in tribute of the Queen Mother, who was born on August 4, 1900.