Meghan Markle's First Royal Tour Speech Passionately Promoted Female Education
"Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want."

It’s the ninth day of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal tour, and Meghan Markle is celebrating like any great Duchess would—by wearing pom poms, and giving a memorable speech on the importance of female education. The couple spent Wednesday morning on a visit to the University of the South Pacific, where Meghan addressed an audience of students, teachers, and her proud husband, with passion on a gender equality topic that’s close to her heart. She also went on to open up about her own experiences of struggling to afford the education that she wanted to follow when she was young.
Wearing the dreamy pink ruffle Figue dress first seen earlier in the day, proudly feminist Meghan took the podium to say: "Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital."
The Duchess, 37, rightly said: "When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but for all of those around them.”
"Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.” — The Duchess of Sussex at @UniSouthPacific #RoyalVisitFiji pic.twitter.com/ZWXxiBNcEYOctober 24, 2018
Taking a personal angle on the topic, Meghan recounted how, before finding fame and fortune, she had to turn to financial aid programs to be able to succeed at Northwestern University, Illinois, on her courses in theatre and international studies.
“I am fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world – myself included,” she shared. “It was through scholarships, financial aid programs and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition - that I was able to attend university. And, without question, it was worth every effort.”
Meghan’s words were so powerful, and were met with such applause, that the host of the event almost forgot that Prince Harry was scheduled to follow up with his own speech. The compere skipped introducing the Duke and went straight to closing comments, but after a Kensington Palace aide quickly pointed out her mistake, Prince Harry joked with the audience: “I thought I got away with it. No way that I could follow my wife after that.”
A Duchess who delivers feminist truths and a Duke who lets his wife have the moment to herself. Sussex, you're so lucky.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
Your Syllabus Guide to the 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast—Meet the Rising K-Drama Stars Playing the Students of Eunjang High
So many exciting names join Park Ji-hoon in the second season of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton "Continue to Push Boundaries"
"They definitely have a different dynamic compared to other royal couples."
By Kristin Contino
-
I'm Done Gatekeeping: Adidas' Activewear Is Just as Cool as Its Shoe Selection
Up in the gym just working on my fitness.
By Kaitlin Clapinski
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry Gave Nephew Prince Louis an Extremely Rare Five-Figure Gift for His Christening
Uncle Harry for the gifting win.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana
"I could have been a complete idiot."
By Amy Mackelden
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry Requested "Certain Protection" After Receiving a Shocking Threat Against His Life
Britain's Home Office released new details about a terrorist threat that targeted the Duke of Sussex.
By Kristin Contino