Meghan Markle’s First Royal Birthday Gift Is a Vegan Leather Bag

Former actress Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, received her first birthday gift as a royal—a burgundy-hued vegan leather handbag made by cruelty-free brand Alexandra K. Animal-rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent the gift to Markle ahead of her 37th birthday on August 4 because the Duchess previously mentioned her preference for vegan leather. “This bag suits Meghan Markle’s fashion sensibility and animal-friendly attitudes to a T,” PETA UK Director Elisa Allen said. “PETA hopes the gift will encourage the royal family and its fans alike to embrace compassionate brands like Alexandra K and to steer clear of cruelly obtained animal skins.”