Meghan Markle has revealed her two dogs have been a source of comfort in a year when people have been ‘forced apart’.  

The Duchess of Sussex, 39, who lives in a $14million Montecito mansion with Prince Harry, 36, their children Archie, two,

and newborn Lilibet, reflected on the importance of pets in a foreword for London-based animal welfare charity Mayhew, of which she is patron. 

Meghan owns a beagle named Guy, who she adopted while living in Toronto as an actress, and adopted Pula the Labrador with Harry. 

Introducing the Mayhew annual review, Meghan described the last 12 months as being a ‘process of grief, growth and also of gratitude’, adding that people had been ‘forced apart’. 

It came as it was revealed the Duchess of Sussex will give her first interview since the birth of her daughter Lilibet less than two weeks ago.  

The chat with Samantha Balaban will be the first time she has spoken since welcoming daughter Lilibet on June 6. 

Her friend Omid Scobie tweeted: ‘Fresh off the heels of her first children’s book becoming a certified #1 New York Times bestseller, Duchess Meghan will be giving her only interview about #TheBench to @samanthabalaban at the renowned @NPRWeekend show, this Sunday between 8am-10am Eastern.’

The news comes just a day after the Duchess’ foreword was published as part of the Mayhew annual report.  

She wrote: ‘Over the last year, each of us have felt the profound effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Be it the loss of a loved one, the health challenges far too many faced, or the disproportionate life changes everyone has experienced, it has been an overwhelming process of grief, growth and also of gratitude. 

‘I have heard from so many of you about the impact of having a pet with you at home during the isolation of lockdown; you have mentioned the therapeutic effect of having your animal by your side and the solace and comfort you found in their company.’

She continued: ‘When I reflect on 2020, I always come back to the importance of community and connection.

‘We may have been forced apart, but we found new ways to be close and to support each other through this shared crisis. For many of us, this was made all the easier with our pets by our side…

‘As we collectively build to the future, my sincere hope is that we do so with ongoing support and appreciation for organizations like Mayhew, who continue their vital work in days of crisis and in days of calm. 

‘Their commitment to the cause of animal welfare is steadfast and their effect on our community wellbeing is self-evident.’

Meghan, an advocate of adopting rescue dogs, chose animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her first patronages in January 2019.  

In January last year she made a surprise visit to the charity’s headquarters in one of her last official outings in the UK before she jetted back to Canada to be with Archie.

Meghan Markle has been ‘in touch’ with her patronage the Mayhew throughout the crisis, after agreeing to remain on as patron following Megxit.

The charity was given the honour of unveiling the Sussexes’ Christmas card in December. 

It featured an artistic rendering of Harry, Meghan, Archie, Guy and Pula. 

Mayhew was founded in 1886 and today sees itself as an animal welfare social worker, keeping cats and dogs, whether family pets or companions for the homeless, safe and well alongside their owners, and supporting communities.

It has a pet refuge service, provides vet services to vulnerable owners and has a team of animal welfare officers who work with residents helping local communities.

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Source: Tampa Bay Times