Princess Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is known for her love of animals, so it's fitting that her patronage of London animal welfare charity Mayhew (opens in new tab) is a good fit. And in her foreword to the charity's 2020 Annual Report (opens in new tab), Duchess Meghan revealed that her Sussex pets, rescue dogs Guy and Pura, and a flock of rescue chickens, helped her throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Over the past year, each of us has felt the severe effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It has been an overwhelming process of grief, growth, and gratitude, with the loss of loved ones, health challenges faced by too many, and disproportionate life changes experienced by all," the Duchess wrote. [You have all described the healing effect of having animals around and the comfort and peace of mind that comes from being with them," she continued. 'This is the effect that Mayhew strives to provide every day to people in the UK and abroad.'

"When I look back on 2020, I always return to the importance of community and connection," Dame Meghan added. 'We may have had to be separated, but through this shared crisis, we have found new ways to be close and support each other. For many of us, having our pets by our side has made that much easier." Lovely.

The Duchess of Sussex's full message is below: