Meghan Markle to give heartfelt talk on ‘breaking barriers’ for IWD – as Kate Middleton’s spotted after operation

MEGHAN Markle is set to give a heartfelt talk on Friday for International Women’s Day, alongside a star-studded panel.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has been confirmed as a speaker at the SXSW Conference in Texas, which celebrates technology, film, television and music.

Meghan will take part in the Opening Day Keynote Panel, with the speakers chosen for all championing human rights and gender equality.

This comes as the Princess of Wales was spotted for the first time since her abdominal operation.

Kate Middleton was in the passenger seat as mum Carole, 69, drove her in an Audi near Windsor Castle on Monday.

The SXSW Conference is running from March 8-16, and Meghan is likely to be travelling from her home in California to Texas.

The Duchess of Sussex has been described by the festival as a “feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity and a New York Times bestselling author.”

Meghan will headline a panel called "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen”, and she will star alongside actress Brooke Shields, author Katie Couric and pop culture expert Nancy Wang Yuen.

The women were described by the conference as “visionary female leaders at the forefront of news, media, entertainment, and philanthropy who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and working toward a healthier society on and off our screens.”

Meghan ran a podcast about female stereotypes called Archetypes for one series, before her high-profile deal with Spotify came to an end last year.

She has since signed a new agreement with American podcast network Lemonada Media which will see the Duchess of Sussex, 42, front a new show.

Meghan’s appearance on Friday comes just two weeks after the Sussexes were on the slopes in Whistler, Canada, for the Invictus Games.

Their visit was to mark one year until the games are held there in 2025.

The couple - who donned wool hats and snow boots - chatted and joked around as they with groups of sit-skiers, standing skiers and visually impaired athletes.

Meghan was seen smiling and laughing as she documented her husband's attempts at sit-skiing.

Following this, Meghan jetted off to Utah for a "perfect" ski trip with pals and the kids.

The Duchess of Sussex flew from her and Prince Harry's £11m California mansion to the snowy slopes of Powder Mountain last month.

Meghan, 42, escaped with pals Heather Dorak, Kelly McKee Zajfen and their families, while the news broke that Harry lost his High Court battle denying him British taxpayer-funded security.

While pilates business owner Dorak and former model Zajfen whisked their husbands and children away with them, it is not known if the Duke, 39, Archie and Lilibet were in attendance.

Meghan announced the news of the SXSW Conference on her new Sussex.com website, which has come under fire due to the prominence of its royal branding.

The talk will be moderated by Errin Haines, host of The Amendment podcast and editor-at-large for The 19th News.

According to the conference: “Women’s representation in media and entertainment has come a long way, but there’s still much to be done, especially for women of colour and mothers. 

“Social media’s omnipresence has raised the stakes, creating an often dangerous environment which has led to serious mental health issues for teenage girls in particular.

"We are so honoured to host this distinguished group on International Women’s Day for a significant discussion on the importance of representation in media and entertainment."

Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer added: ”Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, Nancy Wang Yuen, and Errin Haines are the perfect finishing touch to eight days of remarkable Keynote Speakers.

“We are so honoured to host this distinguished group on International Women’s Day for a significant discussion on the importance of representation in media and entertainment.”

Last year, Meghan spent International Women’s Day visiting Los Angeles-based charity Harvest Home, which helps expectant mothers and their children.