Meghan Markle enjoys cosy dinner with Malala Yousafzai at Claridge’s

Meghan Markle has been spotted enjoying a private dinner with Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai at Claridge’s in Mayfair, London, during a series of outings following her return to the UK.

The Duchess of Sussex was seen sitting with Malala in a corner booth at the famous hotel, where the pair appeared deeply engaged in conversation.

A group of diners nearby shared a video on TikTok showing themselves cheering with glasses of wine. Meghan could be seen in the background, seated across from a woman the social media user identified as Malala.

The post was captioned: “POV: Claridge’s decided to seat Meghan Markle and Malala in front of you.”

Meghan opted for a chic white turtleneck for the evening, while Malala wore a beige coat.

The dinner brings together two women who have known each other for several years and previously worked together on an issue close to both of their public work: access to education for girls.

Meghan and Malala’s longstanding connection

Meghan and Malala first teamed up publicly in October 2020 to mark International Day of the Girl.

Prince Harry also joined the virtual conversation, with the three discussing the barriers facing young women seeking an education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the discussion, Meghan highlighted the wider benefits of educating girls.

“When young girls have access to education, everyone wins, and everyone succeeds,” she said.

Meghan also spoke about the importance of women having a voice in decisions affecting their communities.

She explained that when women have a place in discussions about policy and legislation, it can influence the way communities function. She added that helping women embrace their voices has to begin when they are young girls.

Harry shared a similar perspective, reflecting on how he had previously taken his own access to education for granted.

He described education as a privilege while stressing that every child and young person should have access to it.

At the time of their conversation with Malala, more than 130 million girls were out of school, a figure that Harry said was expected to increase as a result of the pandemic.

He also reflected on his own education, saying he was grateful for the opportunities it had given him.

Meghan and Harry settle into life back in the UK

The Claridge’s dinner comes as Meghan and Harry begin another chapter of their lives in Britain.

The couple returned to the UK in late August with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after spending six years living in California.

Since their return, they have been seen on several relaxed social outings.

On September 21, Meghan reunited with television personality Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, at The Three Horseshoes pub in Oxfordshire.

Meghan and Harry were also spotted together at The Falkland Arms in the Cotswolds on October 2, where they enjoyed a cosy pub outing.

Their return to Britain has not changed their status within the Royal Family. Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals, as confirmed by King Charles, and the couple have chosen to make their home outside London.

For Meghan, the dinner with Malala offers another glimpse of her social life in the UK while also highlighting a friendship that stretches back several years.