Meghan Brings Warmth and Hope to Afghan Refugee Women with Holiday Dinner

Meghan hosted a holiday dinner for Afghan women resettled in California through the Archewell Foundation’s Welcome Project.

The event, which was held at Our Place, a woman- and immigrant-owned cookware company in Venice Beach, highlighted the resilience of Afghan women while celebrating shared traditions and new beginnings.

The Welcome Project, announced back in December, 2023, operates in eleven locations across the U.S., promoting activities ranging from sewing to art, hiking, swimming, photography, storytelling, and cooking. The program aims to foster a sense of belonging and has already shown remarkable results in building relationships and decreasing social isolation.

Echoing Meghan’s previous work with the Hubb Community Kitchen, The Welcome Project employs food as a tool for connection. “Welcome Dinners” are organized, bringing participants together over a meal, showcasing the project’s commitment to community building.

Meghan joined women from Mina’s List, an organization empowering women in politics and human rights, and the Southern California Welcome Project. The evening featured Middle Eastern-inspired dishes crafted by Soho House chef Shane Fatemian, an Iranian immigrant, and moments of poetry and storytelling that moved everyone present.

Meghan shared with Marie Claire —

From my standpoint, I think part of why we wanted to make sure we had this opportunity to all be together…is that as the holidays come up, it brings up so much emotion for people,” Meghan said during the dinner. “You miss home, you miss your country, and also can find comfort in the new community that you have here.”

Meghan was visibly moved by the poetry shared by guests, telling the group,

All of you have stories to tell, and the power of you telling them and sharing them…is what will help propel the change that we all dream of.”

True to her signature minimalist style, Meghan wore her tan wide-leg pants from Gabriela Hearst and a matching sleeveless turtleneck from New York-based brand, Leset, blending elegance with comfort for the evening. The duchess’s look complemented the cozy yet sophisticated ambiance of the event, which showcased Our Place’s elegant cookware. Guests received an all-expenses-paid shopping spree from store owner Shiza Shahid, adding a special touch to the night.

Since its launch, the Welcome Project has been a cornerstone of the Archewell Foundation’s efforts to support Afghan women resettling in the U.S. These women, many of whom were leaders in government, journalism, and activism, face unique challenges as they navigate life far from home. Meghan’s commitment to their journey has been evident, from her participation in a cooking event earlier this year to her personal conversations with attendees at the dinner.

More from Marie Claire —

For so many of them, it would be very easy to go, ‘My life has ended, because everything I knew…is gone,’” Meghan shared. “But these moments of togetherness…remind them that no, your life is just beginning.”

As the evening wrapped up, Meghan shared glimpses of her own family’s holiday traditions with Prince Harry, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet. Thanksgiving at the Sussex household, she revealed, is a low-key affair filled with great food, fun games, and sometimes even a visit from feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

Reflecting on creating memories for Archie and Lilibet, Meghan noted —

Every single holiday is a new adventure…It’s important for me that they experience the magic of traditions.”

When asked how Americans can make newly resettled families feel welcome, Meghan’s advice was simple yet profound —

Just think about how you’d want someone to treat you…how would you want someone to open their arms to you?”

The dinner ended with laughter, dancing, and a renewed sense of hope among the attendees. As one guest described Meghan, “She’s so cool, so humble…She cares what happens to us. This is important.”

With her continued dedication to fostering connection and uplifting women, Meghan Markle proves that community and kindness are timeless holiday traditions.

Read more from Kristin Cortino’s Marie Claire exclusive here and more about the Welcome Project here and here.

And now our look at What Meghan Wore!

Meghan wore a top from Leset – the ‘Zoe’ sleeveless turtleneck in Oatmeal, $280. Additional sizes available here.

Her trousers are Gabriela Heart – the ‘Varga’ trousers in camel $1890 (past season). Similar style from the brand here, here and here.

The Duchess first wore the trousers in September 2022 for the One Young World roundtable in the UK and again for the Invictus Games – September 2023.

We’re not sure which shoes Meghan wore as there were no clear views and no information was provided. Previously she has worn her Manolo Blahnik ‘BB’ pumps in nude beige, $725.

Meghan wore her staple jewelry pieces including her Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet, Diana’s gold Tank watch and another gold bead bangle which has not been identified. Her ring is from Lorraine Schwartz – an emerald cut diamond pinky ring.

She also wore a pair of oval or round diamond stud earrings which we haven’t been able to identify yet.

If you are interested in Our Place cookware sets be sure to check them out here. Read more about their mission here.

Below are a few selections from the brand’s collection — Cookware Set Pro in chrome/blue salt, $395 and the large ‘Always’ pan in stream, $120.

Be sure to check back for updates!

Finally, we are happy to share with our readers today that the documentary that Harry and Meghan produced, Polo (a behind the scenes look at the sport) is premiering on Netflix, December 10th.

Polo, a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of the sport, is coming to Netflix on December 10.

Follow elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the high-stakes U.S. Open Polo Championship. From executive producers Prince Harry and… pic.twitter.com/P4oaALuFA0

— Netflix (@netflix) November 21, 2024