UK's Duchess Meghan returns to work to launch new charity fashion range

Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the launching of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain September 12, 2019. Mark Large/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Duchess Meghan returned to work on Thursday for the first time following the birth of her first child with husband Prince Harry to launch a new fashion range whose sales will help a charity supporting unemployed women.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has made a handful of public appearances since son Archie was born in May but the launch of the fashion collection, created in collaboration with well-known British stores and fashion designers, marks her first official engagement.

The sale of the "Smart Set Capsule Collection" will last for at least two weeks and is designed to help Smart Works, a charity that provides quality clothes and training for unemployed women for job interviews.

Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the launching of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain September 12, 2019. Mark Large/Pool via REUTERS

For every item bought, one will be donated to the charity which Meghan became the patron of earlier this year.

The items include a blazer and trousers from fashion chain Jigsaw; a tote bag from department store John Lewis; a classic dress from Marks & Spencer and a white shirt from fashion designer Misha Nonoo, a friend of the U.S.-born Duchess.

"Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organizations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact," Meghan, 38, said in a statement.

Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the launching of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain September 12, 2019. Mark Large/Pool via REUTERS

"Thank you to the four brands who came together in supporting Smart Works on this special project - placing purpose over profit and community over competition."

(Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison)

Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, greets designer and friend Misha Nonoo during the launching of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain September 12, 2019. Mark Large/Pool via REUTERS

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex waves as she arrives for the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Models wear clothing from the Smart Set collection. John Lewis & Partners/Handout via REUTERS

The Jigsaw suit. Jigsaw/Handout via REUTERS

The John Lewis & Partners bag. John Lewis & Partners/Handout via REUTERS

The Marks & Spencer dress. Marks & Spencer/Handout via REUTERS

The Misha Nonoo shirt. Misha Nonoo/Handout via REUTERS

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex smiles as she arrives for the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaks during the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. Mark Large/Pool via REUTERS

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is welcomed for the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is welcomed for the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is welcomed as she arrives for the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrives for the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London, Britain, September 12, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls