The Duchess of Sussex has unveiled a video commemorating her 40th birthday, which stars actress Melissa McCarthy.

The video, which was uploaded on Harry and Meghan’s Archewell foundation website and appears to have been shot from their Montecito home, opens with Melissa and Meghan conversing via webcam about how The Duchess would want to celebrate her birthday.

McCarthy is shown in the video playing lazily with a rubix cube while claiming to be in the garden, until Meghan informs her that her camera is turned on, a typical video-call misstep. McCarthy soon changes into formal clothing, complete with bonnet and pearls, and, of course, a cup of tea.

The video is for Markle’s “40 x 40” project, in which she invited 40 of her friends—actors, activists, and mentors—to contribute 40 minutes of their time to help a woman reentering the workforce. The turmoil of the epidemic disproportionately affected professional women, many of whom lost their careers or had to shift to childcare, while their male colleagues were less affected, according to Markle’s letter accompanying the video. She also asks anybody who reads the letter to join the campaign and donate 40 minutes of their time.

“It’s my 40th birthday, and I’ve got an idea,” Meghan says, sitting behind a desk, “Because I’m turning 40, I’m asking 40 friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor a woman who is mobilizing back into the workforce. Over two million in the U.S. alone and tens of millions around the world have lost their jobs due to COVID. And I think if we all do it, and all commit to some sort of service, we can create a ripple effect.”

“Yes times forty,” McCarthy responds. “Is it okay if I still do it in the hat?”

A spokesman for Meghan said in a statement that she invited a number of international leaders, artists, activists, and athletes, including Adele, Amanda Gorman, Ibram X. Kendi, Gloria Steinem, José Andrés, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and Stella McCartney.

“If you’re able, can you commit 40 minutes in service of others today?” McCarthy wrote on Instagram. “In the past two years, tens of millions of women around the world have departed the workforce and communities everywhere are in need of support. Together, we can do something to help.”

Because it’s Melissa McCarthy, there are plenty of lighter moments in the video. McCarthy’s idea that she and Markle get matching “besties forever” tattoos or her desire for a Suits reunion. We also get a nice peek inside Markle’s home office in between their banter. She has photos of her family on her desk!

Meghan does not rule out the latter possibility, stating, “I love Suits! But why would I do a Suits reunion for my birthday?”

Meghan has a cup of tea on the side of her desk, and Guy, her rescue beagle, is dozing in the background. The 40-year-old is wearing a soft, cosy-looking cream-colored outfit and has her hair in a low bun, similar to her wedding day’s evening ‘do.

Meghan and McCarthy also tease each other in the video, with the actor initially responding to Meghan’s suggestion of an idea by asking if it’s “another photoshoot underneath a tree where you’re looking very peaceful,” a reference to the photograph the Sussexes released to announce their second child.

Meghan revealed further information about the initiative in a letter posted on the Archewell website. “In reflecting on my 40th birthday and the many things I am grateful for, I’m struck that time is among our greatest and most essential gifts: Time with our loved ones, time doing the things we love, time spent learning, laughing, growing, and the sacred time we have on this earth,” she writes. “Amongst the most valuable gifts of time is also time spent in service to others knowing that it can contribute to incredible change.” The website also features a mentorship pledge.

“I believe mentorship is one way to help women regain confidence and rebuild their economic strength, and for my birthday I have asked 40 friends, activists, athletes, artists and world leaders to help kick off a global effort by contributing 40 minutes of mentorship to support women re-entering the workforce,” she said.

“With this time, I hope they each help someone advance a professional life on her own terms and inspire countless others to give 40 minutes of their time as well.”

Meghan is wearing a zodiac-themed necklace with the constellations linked to Taurus and Gemini – the star signs of her children, Archie (born May 6) and infant daughter Lili (who was born on June 4, 2021).

Meghan concludes her message by encouraging readers to spend 40 minutes to some type of “act of service,” whether it’s mentorship or giving back to another cause or individual.

The rest of the royals honored her milestone on social media with photos shot during some of her greatest moments as a working royal. Kate Middleton and Prince William tweeted a photo of Meghan during her 2018 South Pacific trip, along with a birthday cake emoji, while the Royal Family account uploaded a few family photographs, including one of Meghan with Prince Harry and Archie on their 2019 visit to South Africa.

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