In an evening where a host of exceptional talent gathered in Manchester, Meghan Markle's presence brought about a special kind of excitement.
The Duchess of Sussex gave a moving charity speech at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, addressing delegates of the One Young World summit. The conference sees young leaders from all around the world come together to discuss some of the most pressing issues and problems facing the world right now.
Speakers included Sir Bob Geldof, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, poet Lemn Sissay, and ex-Irish President Mary Robinson. But without a doubt, the greatest cheers of the evening were reserved for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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The evening saw performances from a variety of dancers, singers, and poets including Esther Koch and Jamiroquai. Manchester legend Lemn Sissay delighted the audience with a hopeful poem about the future, before One Young World founders Kate Robertson and David Jones addressed delegates, bringing a message of togetherness.
They also paid tribute to Manchester's community spirit following the Manchester Arena bomb in 2017. Mayor Andy Burnham then took to the stage, telling delegate that at times where he feels concerned about the future, he takes hope from the "coming generation".
"It's different to any before it," he said. "What gives me hope is I think you celebrate diversity as a strength. And you stand for the equality of all human beings."
Burnham's speech was followed by rousing addresses from Mary Robinson and Sir Bob Geldof, before the Duchess of Sussex took to the stage.
She started her speech telling the audience how pleased she was to be back in the UK, before reminiscing about her first One Young World summit in 2014, where she said she had a 'pinch me moment'.
“And there I was, the girl from Suits. I was surrounded by world leaders, humanitarians, prime ministers and activists that I had such a deep and long-standing respect and admiration for.
“And I was allowed in, to pull up a seat at the table. I was so overwhelmed by this experience, I think, I think I even saved my little paper place-marker with my name on it.
“Just proof: proof that I was there, proof that I belonged, because the truth was, I wasn’t sure that I belonged. I was so nervous, I doubted myself and I wondered, wondered if I was good enough to be there?”
But she added One Young World, “saw in me, just as I see in you, the present and the future”.
Meghan took the opportunity to remind delegates at Bridgewater Hall that they are driving change in this moment. “Often times I speak to young girls about the years ahead," she said.
“About what you will do, about what you will have to adopt to fix from previous generations and also what legacy you will leave. Too often in that, we neglect the point – you are doing it now. You, here, in this present moment, this is where it is all beginning.”
She went on to speak about another One Young World summit she attended in 2019 in London., saying: “And by that point, it’s fair to say, my life had changed rather significantly. I was now married and I was now a mom.
“My world view had expanded exponentially, seeing the global community through the eyes of my child.”
To cheers, the Duchess of Sussex added: “I’m thrilled that my husband is able to join me here this time. To be able to see and witness first-hand my respect for this organisation, this incredible organisation and all that it provides as well as it accomplishes.
“So we are both of us, bearing witness to the power that you hold in your hands and the unbridled enthusiasm and energy that you have, to see things come to fruition. It is just an absolute privilege. I’m incredibly humbled to not just stand before each of you, but to stand beside you.
“We often hear people say: ‘the time is now’, but I’m going to double down on that, by saying your time is now. The important work can’t wait for tomorrow.
“And this week the world is watching as you cement your place in history by showcasing the good that you are doing today, in the present moment, as we embrace the moment of now to create a better tomorrow.”
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