MAKING THEIR MARK
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry denounce ‘oppression’ while accepting ‘anti-racism’ award ahead of Netflix doc
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry spoke out about the walls of oppression while receiving an award for their stance against racism.
The Duchess of Sussex, 41, and Harry, 37, were honoured with the Ripple of Hope accolade in New York on Tuesday night.
8
8
8
8
8
Harry, who wore a blue suit, told attendees: "Bobby Kennedy said, ‘Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope'.”
He later draped a protective arm around his wife at the lavish dinner, where tables were sold for up to $1million.
In her own words, Meghan, wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress by Louis Vuitton complete with thigh-high slit, also praised the late Robert F. Kennedy, saying: “The enduring dream of RFK of a just and peaceful world is so much more than a simple hope.
";It’s a direct ask, a specific challenge, a call to action, a test of individual courage and collective spirit.
READ MORE ROYAL NEWS
“And his appeal to humanity is as relevant today as it was in 1966 when he stood before the University of Cape Town, a place we’ve visited and hold close to our hearts.
"And he delivered a vision for the common good of society.”
The former actress, who paired her gown with a black clutch bag, long gold earrings and a slicked back low bun, added: "He also said those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
"And as we all face a complete and challenging time in the world, we choose the path of optimism of care for each other and our communities," Harry continued.
Most read in Fabulous
"We understand this honour, not about the culmination of a life’s work, but instead and in many ways for us, a beginning."
The strong words came just hours after the Sussexes were mocked for inaccuracies in a trailer for their Netflix docu-series, out on December 8.
The pair have been accused of using misleading paparazzi shots in the teaser videos, in which Meghan breaks down in tears.
Footage appears to show them being swarmed by cameras, but the photographers were actually surrounding Katie Price and Donald Trump's former lawyer, it is claimed.
A second clip shows a photo from 1938, and another was from a Harry Potter premiere years before they met.
The royal family is bracing itself for bombshell revelations, with Harry speaking of a "hierarchy in the family", a "dirty game", and warning "we know the full truth".
The couple arrived in New York the rain with Harry holding a brolly over his wife's head as they made their way into the event.
They then appeared in front of photographers, with Meghan seen wearing a large blue ring, thought to be an emerald-cut aquamarine once owned by Princess Diana.
But Megan and Harry refused to answer questions from assembled journalists as they posed for photos with Kerry Kennedy, JFK's niece.
'DATE NIGHT'
Elsewhere in the night the duke joked he thought he was taking his wife on a "date night".
Speaking on stage, Harry said: "I'll be honest with you, I just thought we were just going on a date night so I found it quite weird that we're sharing the room with 1,500 people.
"We don't get out much these days because our kids are so small and young so, this is completely unexpected."
To laughter from the audience he added: "But it's nice to share date night with all of you, so thank you for coming."
Meghan added: "Thank you for bringing me on this very special date night."
"You're welcome," Harry replied.
The eco-warrior couple arrived in the Big Apple earlier that day after flying in by private jet from their California home.
The Ripple of Hope award honours “exemplary leaders” who have demonstrated “an unwavering commitment” to social change.
The star studded event, where the cheapest ticket set guests back $2,500, was attended by celebrities including Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin.
Asked what he admired about the couple, the 30 Rock star said: "The way they deal with difficult circumstances in the press without to much difficulty.
"They've obviously chosen a different path. Good for them. They're newly arrived in the States.
"I think it's great they've agreed to support this cause which we have for years."
Harry and Meghan were honoured by Kennedy at the annual bash, which is organised by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights foundation.
They join previous winners Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
U2 star Bono, Hillary Clinton and Desmond Tutu, who helped to end apartheid in South Africa, have also received the award.
We don't get out much these days.
Prince Harry
It comes after Meghan accused an unnamed royal of raising “concerns” about the “skin colour” of her and Harry’s children in her Oprah Winfrey interview.
She declined to reveal the identity of the racist royal as it would be too "damaging" for them.
Ahead of them accepting the award, the couple wheeled out a supporter to claim they had suffered “hatred” and racism.
US businessman Christopher Bouzy, 47, was a little-known tech guru before turning his sights on the royal family last year.
But yesterday he was given a starring role in the streaming giant's second "official teaser" video for their six-part series.
In a dramatic intervention, Bouzy told viewers: "It's about hatred. It's about race."
His claims were screened moments after the couple's lawyer, Jenny Afia, insisted there was "a war against Meghan to suit other people's agendas".
The latest salvo against the Royals is likely to fuel demands for Meghan and Harry to be stripped of their Royal titles.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The King and Queen will both be out this week at pre-arranged engagements and vowed not to be distracted from the job, it is understood.
Insiders say the Royals are finding the Netflix row “wearying” coming so soon after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the King taking on a new role.
8
8
8
Topics