Meghan, Duchess of Sussex sent a powerful letter to students at a school in London to mark International Women’s Day on Monday (08.03.21).
The former ‘Suits’ actress visited Robert Clark School in Dagenham, east London, last year to celebrate the occasion and in her new note – which the school has shared online – she acknowledged how “difficult it’s been for students and families during the past year” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The duchess encouraged the students to “learn about the trailblazing women who came before us” and revealed she’d recently been thinking about the impact of Geraldine Dear, who campaigned for equal pay in the 1960s.
In her letter, she explained: “Without women like Geraldine, who formed part of the original group of women advocating for equal pay, so much of what we do now wouldn’t be possible. By knowing and appreciating legacy, we can – and you can – find inspiration to create legacy.
“All of you, the young women and young men here today, will continue paving the way for a better and more compassionate future. Last year, I told you that your voices have the ability to change the world. I hope that you are continuing to make your voices heard.”
The duchess thanked the students for their warm welcome in 2020.
She wrote: “Small acts of compassion have the power to make a real and lasting difference, and I thank all of you for the kindness you provided me during my visit.”
Meghan also recalled her encounter with Aker Okoye, a student who described her as “beautiful” during a speech at the school.
He famously said: “She really is beautiful, innit.”
She wrote: “I don’t think we’ll ever forget when I asked that young man – Aker – to come on stage to share what International Women’s Day means to him and how he honours the women and girls in his life. He had a few thoughts that had us all laughing!
And even though the duchess – who married Prince Harry in May 2018 – has relocated to California, she revealed she still keeps a reminder of her visit to the school with her.
Her letter concluded: “P.S. I still have the Debate Society team jacket you gave me with me here in California and wear it often. Thank you again for thinking of me!”