Meghan Markle's new earrings are a message of hope

Meghan Markle made a surprise TV appearance last night, her first since sharing her heartbreaking miscarriage last month.

However the Duchess of Sussex didn't discuss her personal experience during her televised speech on CNN, choosing instead to honour the 'private heroes' of the pandemic.

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She said that 'in the face of this devastating reality, we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times'.

You can read her full speech below:

In a year that has been universally challenging for everyone, I'm inspired by the stories of compassion in our communities. Across the country, people have put their own needs aside to come together and support the collective wellbeing of those around them.Back in March, the COVID-19 crisis hit hard, and overnight everything seemed to change. For many families, the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic--and far too many were faced with a heartbreaking question: How am I going to put food on the table for my family.But in the face of this devastating reality, we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times. We saw the good in people, in our neighbours and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbours went hungry. We saw communities standing up and taking action.When kids' lunch programs came to a halt, we saw our neighbours making sure that those children received the nutrition they need. And when those who are immunocompromised, or most vulnerable, couldn't leave their homes, we as a community showed up to deliver the food they needed to their doorsteps. We know the value of food: as nourishment, as a life source, and in moments of crisis, the warmth of a meal can feel as comforting as a much needed hug--especially in the absence of human contact due to the social distancing we're all experiencing.These moments reminded so many that they're cared for. Tonight we are celebrating these quiet heroes. Some of whom I know, and others that we applaud from afar. These individuals stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met. They made sure that those around them did not have to suffer in isolation. They nourished their neighbours in more ways than one. And they showed us, all of us, that even in the darkest times when we come together, we have the power to remind someone else that there is hope and that we will be okay.

While her words spread a message of hope, so did her jeweller. The Duchess wore a pair of gold Catherine Zoraida earrings shaped like swallows, a universal symbol of love and hope.

Interestingly, according to Reference.com, 'the ancient Romans believed that the swallow was a totem bird for mothers in sorrow, and that it embodied the souls of children who had been lost in childbirth'.

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GOLD SWALLOW STUD EARRINGS, <a href="https://catherinezoraida.com/products/gold-swallow-stud-earrings" data-link-merchant="catherinezoraida.com"">£120 at ZORAIDA
These divine stud earrings feature swallows in flight as they travel together on their migration journey. These earrings have been designed especially for the RSPB where 10% of all sales will go directly to the RSPB charity to continue the incredible work they do. Made in 18ct gold plated silver (eco silver). Length of swallow - from tip of tail to tip of beak - 10mm.

The earrings cost £120, and 10% of all sales go to the RSPB charity. They're also made of eco silver, and we know Meghan is a fan of sustainable fashion.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.