The Duchess of Sussex has made her first public appearance since her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March.
Speaking in a pre-recorded message that was aired at Vax Live, a star-studded fundraising event calling for equitable distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine, Meghan said the pandemic had wiped out a generation of economic gain for women of colour, and that focus needed to shift to help them get back on their feet.
“As campaign chairs of Vax Live, my husband and I believe it’s critical that our recovery prioritises the health, safety and success of everyone – and particularly women, who have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic,” she said.
“Women, and especially women of colour, have seen a generation of economic gain wiped out. Since the pandemic began, nearly 5.5 million women have lost work in the US, and 47 million more women around the world are expected to slip into extreme poverty.
“But if we work together, to bring vaccines to every country and continent, insist that vaccines are equitably distributed and fairly priced and ensure that governments around the world are donating their additional vaccines to countries in need then we can begin to fully rebuild.”
Meghan also spoke about the impending arrival of her baby girl, saying both she and her husband Prince Harry wanted to help the next generation of women thrive.
She said: “My husband and I are thrilled to soon be welcoming a daughter. It’s a feeling of joy we share with millions of other families around the world.
“When we think of her, we think of all the young women and girls around the globe who must be given the ability and support to lead us forward. Their future leadership depends on the decisions we make and the actions we take now, to set them up and to set all of us up for success, equitable and compassionate tomorrow.”
While Meghan’s words were moving, it was once again her style choices that made headlines. Eagle-eyed viewers were quick to point out that the duchess was wearing Princess Diana’s $31,000 Cartier Tank watch, a fitting nod to Harry’s mother, who did so much to uplight underprivileged people around the world.
Diana was gifted the watch by her father, the eighth Earl Spencer, on her 21st birthday. She was spotted wearing the much-loved item on numerous occasions.
In the video — which looked to be shot at Meghan and Harry’s $18.7 million mansion in Montecito, California — Meghan also wore a £1,900 ($AU3,400) dress by Carolina Herrera and a statement necklace: Awe Inspired’s Woman Power Charm Necklace.
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The Vax Live video was the first time Meghan has spoken publicly since her and Prince Harry’s shock interview with Oprah in early March. The couple used the high-profile chat to air many of their grievances about royal life and Harry’s family, including waging accusations of racism and claims the palace deliberately turned a blind eye to Meghan’s struggling mental health.
While the interview was intended to be a chance for Harry and Meghan to clear the air, it only further drove a wedge between the prince and his family. Harry returned to the UK in April for Prince Philip’s funeral, but reports say talks between himself, Prince Charles and Prince William did not go well and that their relationship is still very much strained.
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