In his keynote address on Nelson Mandela International Day, the Duke of Sussex referred to Meghan as his “soulmate,” with the Duchess of Sussex standing by his side.
Harry and Meghan took a plane to New York City to attend the informal gathering of the General Assembly of the United Nations to commemorate the special day.
Photo: Rex
Harry took center stage and delivered the keynote address at the event, which also featured remarks from the Deputy Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly. Meghan proudly watched from the audience.
Harry discussed poverty and climate change while making allusions to Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy as well as the lessons that have been taken from the late president’s struggle.
The gap between the rich and the poor, racial intolerance, hunger, and food insecurity are among the difficulties the anti-apartheid activist faced during his lifetime and continue to exist today.
He discussed his love for Africa, a continent he first traveled to when he was just 13 years old and where he went to find solace after his mother, Princess Diana of Wales, passed away.
At that point, Harry affectionately referred to Meghan as his “soulmate” and took her on their third date to Botswana.
“Ever since I went to Africa for the first time when I was 13 years old, I’ve always found hope there. In fact, it has been my lifeline for the majority of my life and a place where I have repeatedly discovered peace and healing, he said. “It’s where I felt the closest to my mother and looked for comfort after she passed away. It’s also where I realized my wife was my soul mate. And that’s why I do so much of my work there.
The Duke also mentioned using a picture of his mother Diana and Nelson Mandela as a comforting memory.
“A picture of my mother and Mandela meeting in Cape Town in 1997 is on my wall and in my heart every day,” said Harry. “The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu gave the picture to me; his friendship and inspiration were their own priceless gifts. In 2019, my wife and I had the honor of introducing him to our four-month-old son.
“The moment I first saw the picture, the joy on my mother’s face leapt out at me. the frivolity, even the cheekiness. To commune with a soul who is so dedicated to serving humanity is pure joy.
The 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize was also given to Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté of Guinea and Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis of Greece during the two-hour gathering. The award, which is given once every five years, honors individuals who have devoted their entire lives to serving humanity.
When Harry and Meghan arrived at the UN General Assembly on Monday morning, they seemed upbeat.
While former Suits actress Meghan was as stylish as always in a black pencil dress, the father of two looked dapper in a navy suit and tie. She was wearing a black Mulberry bag as an addition to her tight ponytail of hair.
The Sussex family left their California home and travelled to the East Coast. It is unknown if they were accompanied by their two kids, Lilibet, who is one year old, and son Archie, who is three.
Photo: Getty Images
In September 2021, Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, attended the UN General Assembly, but they chose not to participate in the speeches.
