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    Meghan Markle's words as 'mother, wife, woman of colour and your sister' are going viral

    Here's everything you need to know...

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 24 September 2019 In Features

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    (Image credit: Karwai Tang)
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    Here's everything you need to know...

    Meghan Markle is known to be a good public speaker - let's face it, being a Hollywood actress is terrific royal training.

    And while her new royal title, Duchess of Sussex, doesn't require a great deal of speeches, it looks like it has been added to Meghan's job description because of her talent for delivery.

    The former Suits actress surprised the world when she broke royal protocol to deliver a few feminist speeches during her first big royal tour to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

    Given the extremely positive reception, it's hardly surprising that has continued, from her recent speech about her Smart Works capsule collection to her surprise attendance at the British Fashion Awards to personally give a nod to Clare Waight Keller, the designer of her Givenchy wedding dress.

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    This week was no exception, as Meghan Markle kicked off her and Prince Harry's royal tour of Africa with a very powerful speech.

    'Hello! It is such privilege to meet all of you today and to start our visit, my first time in South Africa, here in Nyanga,' she opened her speech after arriving at Cape Town's Nyanga Methodist Church. 'We have just spent some time seeing all the incredible work that the Justice Desk does and of course all of you amazing women and the men who are here helping you, Mbokodo, you are incredible and what you're doing is so powerful, because you're all powerful. The work that's being done here is to keep women and children safer, which is needed now more than ever.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    'The rights of women and girls is something that is very close to my heart, and the cause I have spent the majority of my life advocating for because I know that when women are empowered, the entire community flourishes,' she continued before quoting Maya Angelou, 'Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women.'

    Meghan continued: 'Now I know it's not easy and I know it must feel insurmountable at times, but your commitment to what is right gives all of us hope, especially your brothers and sisters here in your community who need you to continue to shine your light brightly. Your commitment is inspiring, it is energising and it is extraordinary. You must keep going, you must know that what you're doing not only matters, it is vital because YOU are vital.

    'And just on one personal note, may I just say that while I am here with my husband as a member of The Royal Family, I want you to know that for me I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister.

    'I am here with you and I am here FOR you and I thank you so much for showing my husband and I the spirit of Ubuntu and I look forward to our time over the next few days together. Thank you so much for having us.'

    What a speech to start the tour!

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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