Meghan Markle has delivered her first speech of the royal tour, focusing on the importance of female education for girls and women around the world.
“When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them,” she said as she addressed the crowd in Suva, Fiji.
“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 went on to reflect on her own time at Northwestern University: “I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world, myself included,” she acknowledged. “It was with scholarships, financial aid programs, and work study from my earnings from a job on campus that went directly towards my tuition that I was able to attend university, and without question it was worth every effort.”
During her speech, Ms Markle announced two new grants to Fiji National University and the University of South Pacific to empower female staff and ensure “women are provided with the training and skills to operate effectively in their roles,” according to Kensington Palace.
