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, delivered pre-taped remarks after being honoured with the Ripple of Hope award in New York on Tuesday night.
ReutersMeghan and Harry didn’t answer questions[/caption]
GettyMeghan word a strapless white dress for the event[/caption]
The Mega AgencyHarry put a protective arm around his wife at the dinner[/caption]
GettyThe Duchess of Sussex looking glam as she arrives in Midtown New York[/caption]
Getty Images – GettyThe Sussexes speak on stage at the RFK Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala[/caption]
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.
Meghan wore an off-the-shoulder white dress by Louis Vuitton complete with thigh-high slit, similar to the gown wore by the Princess of Wales at the Earthshot awards in Boston days earlier.
In her own words, she 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.
“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.”
Meghan, who paired her gown with a black clutch and long gold earrings, while her hair was slicked back into a 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.
“We understand this honor, not about the culmination of a life’s work, but instead and in many ways for us, a beginning,”
The couple arrived in the rain with Harry holding a brolly over his wife’s head as they made their way into the event.
They then made their appearance in front of photographers with Meghan seen wearing a large blue ring, which appeared 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, John F. Kennedy’s niece.
Earlier the eco-warrior couple arrived in New York after flying in by private jet from their California home.
The award honours “exemplary leaders” who have demonstrated “an unwavering commitment” to social change.
The star studded event was attended by celebrities including Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin.
Asked what he admired about the couple he said: “They 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.”
The couple were honoured by Kennedy at the annual bash, which is organised by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights foundation.
It comes just hours after they were mocked over inaccuracies in a trailer for their Netflix docu-series in which Meghan is seen to break down in tears.
Harry and Meghan will 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.
The couple are expected to attend the extravagant gala, where the cheapest ticket will set guests back $2,500.
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.
And 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 Megahan and Harry to be stripped of their Royal titles.
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.
The Royal couple arriving at the award ceremony in New York CityBackGrid
APThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex making their entry into the venue[/caption]
ReutersThe couple pictured with Kerry Kennedy, the niece of John F. Kennedy[/caption] Read More