Meghan Markle admitted it can be “overwhelming” when you constantly “see and hear negativity” during a passionate speech in Johannesburg.
The Duchess of Sussex delivered her final speech of their royal tour at a Creative Industries and Business Reception at the official residence of Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner Emma Wade-Smith.
Over 300 guests gathered to celebrate the UK and South Africa’s important business and investment relationship, and during her speech, Meghan had a special message for young people around the world.
She said: “I remember being a young girl watching TV and seeing what was happening in the world, and frankly, often feeling despair.”
“When you constantly see and hear negativity, it can be overwhelming; you can feel powerless, and lost, you can feel different, confused, or like you just don’t belong.
“And I’m sure there is a young girl or boy watching this and thinking the exact same thing. So, this is for you…”
She continued: “In a world that that can seem so aggressive, confrontational, and dangerous, you should know that you have the power to change it.”
“Because whether you’re here in South Africa, at home in the UK, the US or around the world, you actually have the power within you to change things, and that begins with how you connect to others.”
#Sussexroyal IG post part of Meghan’s speech pic.twitter.com/bkm4DsoAOL
— Baby Sussex Aunty???? (@meghanxharry) October 2, 2019
“I have learned from the people I’ve met here, that whether it’s about society’s expectations of masculinity or femininity, or how we divide ourselves by race or faith or class or status- everyone has value, and everyone deserves to be heard and respected.”
“And if you live your life in that way, your generation will start to value each other in ways the rest of us have not yet been able to do so.”
Meghan’s speech comes after she confirmed her plans to sue the Mail on Sunday and it’s parent company Associated Newspapers.
The Duchess of Sussex filed a claim against Associated Newspapers over the misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.
The proceedings in the Chancery Division of the High Court relate to the unlawful publication of a private letter.
A legal spokesperson from Schillings who are representing The Duchess of Sussex said: “We have initiated legal proceedings against the Mail on Sunday, and its parent company Associated Newspapers, over the intrusive and unlawful publication of a private letter written by the Duchess of Sussex, which is part of a campaign by this media group to publish false and deliberately derogatory stories about her, as well as her husband.”
“Given the refusal of Associated Newspapers to resolve this issue satisfactorily, we have issued proceedings to redress this breach of privacy, infringement of copyright and the aforementioned media agenda.”
In an emotional statement posted on their website, Meghan and Harry also confirmed that the case is being privately funded by them, – and pending a court ruling, proceeds from any damages will be donated to an anti-bullying charity.
