Meghan Markle says 'everyone has a right to a top education' in first speech on royal tour

Robert Jobson24 October 2018

The Duchess of Sussex said everyone had the right to get a top education as she made her first speech on her overseas royal tour with Prince Harry.

Speaking at a university in Fiji, privately educated Meghan, 37, said, “Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive."

With her husband Prince Harry, who did not attend university, at her side, she went on: “And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.”

“Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development. Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them,” Meghan said.

The Duchess of Sussex delivers a speech at the University of the South Pacific - her first major speech of the royal tour
AP

The royal couple got into the island spirit in brightly-coloured outfits as they embarked on a morning of engagements.

Meghan, a champion for women’s empowerment before she wed Harry, went on, “While progress has been made in many areas across the Commonwealth, there is always scope to offer more opportunities to the next generation of young adults, and specifically to young women.”

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visit the University of the South Pacific in Suva
AP

The couple arrived at the University of the South Pacific campus in Suva, to mark the university's 50th anniversary.

Meghan was wearing a bright blue and pink tiered dress by Figue and Harry in a blue tropical print shirt.

The royals were greeted by pipe playing musicians and cheering crowds as they walked up the red carpet.

She began her perfectly delivered address speaking Fijian saying “Bula!”

She went on: “It is a great privilege to be with all of you today.

“As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university.

“From the moment you receive your acceptance letter, to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni, and the moment you receive your diploma.

"The journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one.

“I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world – myself included.

“It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition - that I was able to attend university. And, without question, it was worth every effort,” she said.

Meghan said The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which has The Queen is Patron of, supports universities to promote equality in their own institutions.

“I am pleased to announce today that two new grants will be awarded to Fiji National University and the University of the South Pacific, allowing each of them to run workshops which empower their female staff.

“This means that female faculty members are able to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and enter higher-education, and that more womenbecome part of the decision-making process in academic institutions.

“Grants like this ensure that women are provided with the training and skills to operate effectively in their roles, and those with leadership potential are given the opportunity to be heard and recognised at the most senior level.

“It is wonderful to join you here today and we look forward to learning more about your academic endeavours, and the work you plan to do as future leaders and as change-makers!

“My husband Harry and I, wish you all the very best of luck as you continue your studies and work. Your efforts now will help to make a positive future for each of you and your communities at large - congratulations to you all,” she said.

Duke and Duchess of Sussex's South Pacific Tour - Best Pictures

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The couple were hosted by Queen's Young Leader Elisha Azeemah Bano, and Commonwealth Youth Award winner Elvis Kumar, both of whom are USP students.

The event was streamed to a number of the university's campuses throughout the Pacific region.

Harry also made a speech in his capacity as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, and Meghan will say a few words, the first she has spoken during their 16-day Commonwealth tour, which is more than half-way through.

Harry had earlier left a touching handwritten note in Fijian at a wreath laying ceremony at a war memorial in the Pacific Island nation.

He was up early to lay a poppy wreath on Wednesday, which carried the personal message 'In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Loloma kei na masu. Harry'. The wording in Fijian means love and prayers.

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