Meghan Markle laid bare important teachings for young girls during her final appearance as a working royal.
In March 2020, the Duchess of Sussex spoke with students at Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham and encouraged them to raise their voice via important avenues.
“When we thought about what I wanted to do for International Women’s Day this year, for me it was incredibly important to be with the women of our future,” she began as she addressed an audience of 700 pupils.
“And that is all of the young women here, as well as the young men who play a very large part in this.
“Specifically coming to your school made a lot of sense for me because of this social justice and the impact that it’s rooted in.”
She continued: “No matter how small you might feel, how low you may feel on the ladder or the totem pole, no matter what color you are, no matter what gender you are—you have a voice, and you certainly have the right to speak up for what is right.”
“What’s really key for all of you to remember, is especially looking at the people who paved the way for you to get to this point in your lives to be able to have the access that you do—it’s not just an opportunity to continue that, it’s a responsibility.”
In 2020, Meghan and husband Prince Harry announced that they will be stepping back as senior royals. The couple then moved to USA, where they now reside in California. In a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan confessed she was depressed in her final years as a senior royal, admitting that she was racially targeted by the Firm.
Reiterating her stance about women, Meghan in 2021 urged youngsters to take inspiration from women who have been trailblazers in their respective field.
Meghan wrote: “we are encouraging everybody to participate in real acts of compassion for the women in their lives and their community.
“One suggestion we have is to take a moment to learn about the trailblazing women who came before us.
“By knowing and appreciating legacy, we can—and you can—find inspiration to create a legacy.
“All of you, the young women and young men here today, will continue paving the way for a better and more compassionate future.
Meghan added: “Last year, I told you that your voices have the ability to change the world.
“I hope that you are continuing to make your voices heard.”