Meghan Markle to take over several royal patronages from Queen Elizabeth

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex looked stylish in a black dress and camel coat as she took on new royal duties inherited from the Queen.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex glowed as she visited one of several organisations whose royal patronage she will take over from Queen Elizabeth as part of her role.

Meghan beamed as she arrived at Smart Works in West London, wearing a $300 black midi dress by Hatch with a $4400 camel Oscar de la Renta coat and Kimai earrings.

The 37-year-old has visited the charity, which supports vulnerable and unemployed women in gaining the confidence to return to work, several times over the past year.

Meghan beamed as she visited the Smart Works career centre in West London after becoming its new patron. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP

The organisation helps vulnerable, unemployed women prepare for job interviews and return to work. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP

The Duchess of Sussex looked elegant in a fitted black dress by Hatch and camel Oscar de la Renta coat. Picture: Ben Stansall / AFP

She was also announced as patron of other organisations that span her interests of animal welfare, the advancement of women, the arts and education. The appointments come eight months into her wedding to Prince Harry.

The organisations “reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare,” according to Kensington Palace.

“The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes,’’ said the palace in a statement.

Meghan Markle will take over several royal patronages from Queen Elizabeth. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP

Meghan arrives at St Charles hospital in west London to visit Smart Works, a charity to which she has become patron. Picture: Ben Stansall / AFP

The Duchess looks at bags with Chair of Smart Works Lady Juliet Hughes-Hallett. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP

Two of the patronages Meghan has so far taken over from Queen Elizabeth are the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Queen served as royal patron for these organisations for lengthy periods, looking after the National Theatre for 45 years and the Commonwealth University for 33 years.

The Duchess will also become a patron of Smart Works, which services women who are long-term unemployed, helping them to re-enter the work force by empowering them with applicable skills including coaching in interviews and providing them with professional clothing.

Meghan will also become a patron of the historic Mayhew charity, which teaches responsible pet ownership and animal welfare to young people.

She has visited the organisation several times over the past year. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP

The Duchess of Sussex, pictured with Patsy Wardally, has become the patron of several charitable organisations. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne — WPA Pool/Getty Images

Meghan has inherited the roles from the Queen. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne — WPA Pool/Getty Images

Royal patronages are an opportunity for royals to use their influence for good, bringing attention and influence to charities and businesses. Picture: Owen Humphreys

Mayhew also helps to keep homeless people and their dogs together and runs a pet refuge for individuals in crisis.

“Her Royal Highness feels she can use her position to focus attention on, and make a particular difference to these organisations and, more widely, the sectors they each represent,” the palace statement said.

“The Duchess of Sussex is very much looking forward to working closely with these organisations, and her continued work with The Royal Foundation of which she is joint Patron along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and wife Catherine) and the Duke of Sussex (her husband Prince Harry).”