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Meghan Markle Reflects On The "Profound Effects" of 2020 In A Powerful Letter

Meghan Markle wrote a powerful letter reflecting on the highs and lows of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the open letter, which was written on behalf of the animal welfare organization Mayhew (one of the duchess's patronages), Meghan began by focusing on the "profound effects" of the pandemic, and the ways in which animals provided comfort as we all adjusted to social distancing.

"Over the last year, each of us have felt the profound effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic," her letter began. "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. This effect is something Mayhew strives to deliver day in and day out to people throughout the UK and beyond."

Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images
Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images

Meghan went on to highlight some of the specific measures Mayhew took to support pet owners and animals throughout the pandemic. "I have been proud to witness Mayhew adapting to the moment—through virtual rehoming, TheraPaws visits over Zoom and delivering care packages to animals and pet owners in need," she wrote. "The organization has rescued and rehabilitated cats and dogs in critical situations and, of course, delivered vital animal health services overseas in countries also gripped by the pandemic."

In her final paragraph, Meghan spotlighted some of the silver linings of this pandemic period. "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," she wrote. "For many of us, this was made all the easier with our pets by our side."

Meghan and Harry have two dogs: a rescue beagle named Guy, whom Meghan adopted in 2015, and a black labrador named Pula, who joined the family shortly after the couple's 2018 wedding.


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