MEGHAN MARKLE told teenagers today in a township “I’m here as a woman of colour and as your sister” during the South Africa royal trip.
The Duchess of Sussex spoke to the youngsters on the first day of the visit with Prince Harry and baby Archie.
The Duchess of Sussex spoke to the teenagers in a township today[/caption]
Meghan Markle told them she was their ‘sister’ during the speech[/caption]
In a powerful speech to the hosts, she said: “May I just say that while I am here with my husband as a member of The Royal Family, I want you to know that for me I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister.
“Please know that my husband and I have been closely following what you’ve been experiencing here — as best we can from afar.
“But now that we are with you, we are eager to learn and see first-hand the work that you’re doing, the vital work that you’re doing.
“And that everything that is being done on the ground is making the great change that you not only need but that you deserve.”
The royal couple were visiting a township near Cape Town — their first stop on a ten-day African tour — where they were greeted with a lively party and plenty of hugs and high fives.
At the township of Nyanga, they were greeted with female dances in traditional costume, musicians playing and ecstatic youngsters waving their national flag.
The couple hugged local people young and old who they were giving them an extra warm welcome.
The royal couple were visiting a township near Cape Town — their first stop on a ten-day African tour — where they were greeted with a lively party and plenty of hugs and high fives.
Within hours of touching down in South Africa with baby Archie, Harry and Meghan were today learning some new dance moves.
Soon Harry was engaged in a spot of “dad dancing” as he joined in with a performance, sending the Duchess of Sussex into fits of hysterics.
Meghan herself was beckoned over for a dance herself, although she proved more of a natural than her spouse.
After their impromptu dancing, the couple struck a more serious tone, making impassioned speeches about women’s rights.
The couple chose to visit the township of Nyanga which is the murder capital of South Africa — a country known for having one of the world’s highest homicide rates.
They wanted to see for themselves the work of the Justice Desk, a human rights organisation that is helping youngsters and women who are often the victims of violence.
The charity is supported by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, which has Harry as its president and Meghan as vice-president.
They were greeted with female dances in traditional costume, musicians playing and ecstatic youngsters waving their national flag.
The couple hugged local people young and old who they were giving them an extra warm welcome.
Soon Harry was engaged in a spot of “dad dancing” as he joined in with a performance, sending the Duchess of Sussex into fits of hysterics.
Meghan herself was beckoned over for a dance herself, although she proved more of a natural than her spouse.
After their impromptu dancing, the couple struck a more serious tone, making impassioned speeches about women’s rights.
On a personal note while I’m here as a member of the royal family, I’m here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister
Meghan Markle
In tribute to the region, Meghan wore a dress by the label Mayamiko, an ethical and sustainable woman’s wear and life style brand, producing clothes made in Malawi.
Surrounded by young women who have benefited from a female empowerment programme teaching them self-defence, Meghan took the unusual step of highlighting her mixed-race heritage.
In a powerful speech to the hosts, she said: “On a personal note while I’m here as a member of the royal family, I’m here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister.
“Please know that my husband and I have been closely following what you’ve been experiencing here — as best we can from afar.
“But now that we are with you, we are eager to learn and see first-hand the work that you’re doing, the vital work that you’re doing.
“And that everything that is being done on the ground is making the great change that you not only need but that you deserve.”
The Prince also spoke to the cheering crowd. He said: “Touching on what your president said last week: No man is born to cause harm to women.
“This is learned behaviour and a cycle that needs to be broken.
“Now it’s about redefining masculinity.
“It’s about creating your own footprint for your children to follow in so that you can make a positive change for the future.”
Smiling from ear to ear, Harry thanked the crowds of well-wishers who had gathered to welcome him and his wife.
Now it’s about redefining masculinity… no man is born to cause harm to women
Prince Harry
Harry said: “I wanted to ensure that our first visit as a family, with my wife by my side, focused on the significant challenges facing millions of South Africans, while acknowledging the hope that we feel so strongly.”
Harry said the couple was “incredibly grateful” to have the chance to listen and learn about “the issues that define your daily lives in these communities”.
He added: “That’s what this is — a community. A community where men and women have a vital role to play.”
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