Meghan Markle shares images of secret visit to animal welfare charity she made earlier this month

The Duchess of Sussex has shared some touching pictures of a secret visit she made to a British animal welfare charity.

Meghan visited the London-based organisation earlier this month before she and Prince Harry announced they would be stepping back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family and relocating to Canada.

Meghan has been keeping a relatively low-profile since returning to Canada after the announcement to be with their baby son Archie, but she has clearly been thinking about the charities and patronages she represents, the recent post to Sussex Royal Instagram suggests.

The duchess was photographed walking around the charity, dressed in a belted, navy coat, while also meeting one of the rescue dogs.

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Mayhew is an animal shelter based in Kensal Green, north London, that works to rescue and provide care for local animals while also providing services to help improve animal welfare overseas.

January marks a year since Meghan became a patron of the charity.

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“Earlier this month, The Duchess of Sussex popped in to see the amazing people at Mayhew to hear about the incredible progress made throughout the festive period,” the accompanying caption reads.

“The Duchess of Sussex, having been proud patron of Mayhew since January 2019 and long understanding the connection between animal and community welfare, applauds the people at Mayhew for the vital work that they do every day.

“From cats and dogs who have found new homes to animal welfare cases handled in the community, Mayhew believes in the power of togetherness and the special bond between humans and animals.”

While Harry and Meghan have officially stepped back from their roles as senior royals, they will continue to represent their private patronages and charities with the Queen's blessing, which was given in a statement released over the weekend.

The couple are currently in something of a transitionary period as they prepare for their new life, with many of changes, including losing their HRH statuses, are expected to come into effect in spring.

Prince Harry rejoined his wife in Canada on Monday evening after delivering an emotional speech about the recent events.

On Sunday evening, Harry insisted the couple had “no other option” but to withdraw from their senior royal roles.

Over the weekend, the details of an agreement the couple had made with the Queen were released.

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It was announced that they would not use their HRH titles going forward and would repay £2.4m of taxpayers’ money spent on Frogmore Cottage, which would remain their UK home.

Earlier this week, Meghan was spotted going for a walk with baby Archie and two dogs.

She was seen smiling while wrapped up in a hat, black athleisure-wear and walking boots to take a stroll in picturesque Horth Hill Regional Park.