The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are back in New York City today, as Prince Harry gave a speech in honor of Nelson Mandela Day at the United Nations. (Meghan, for her part, gave her own speech at the United Nations in 2015, the year before she met Harry.) The couple arrived hand-in hand at the U.N., and Harry’s remarks followed those of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Meghan wore an all black Givenchy skirt and top, identical to the green version she wore while in Ireland, July 2018. She was carrying her Mulberry ‘Bayswater’ bag and wearing her black Manolo Blahnik pumps.
The couple seated inside the United Nations.
Harry spoke about personal memories of his mother, Princess Diana and his love of Africa.
“Those of us not fortunate to know Mandela well have come to understand the man through his legacy, the letters he wrote alone in his prison cell, the speeches he delivered to his people, and those incredible shirts that he sported,” Harry said.
“On my wall, and in my heart every day, is an image of my mother and Mandela meeting in Cape Town in 1997.”
Mandela—who served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and who died at age 95 in 2013—met Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, and a photo of the pair was taken in March 1997.
When I first looked at the photo, straight away what jumped out is the joy on my mother’s face. The playfulness — cheekiness, even. The pure delight to be in communion with another soul so committed to serving humanity.”
Harry pointed out that there was a smile on Mandela’s face despite all the hardships he faced.
[He was] still able to see the goodness in humanity, still buoyant with a beautiful spirit that lifted everyone around him,” Harry said.
He spoke of how much Africa means to him —
For most of my life, it has been my lifeline, a place where I found peace and healing time and time again,” Prince Harry said. “It’s where I felt closest to my mother and sought solace after she died, and where I knew I had found a soulmate in my wife.”
Harry also remarked that “this has been a painful year in a painful decade,” but encouraged those present to “do what Mandela did” by finding “meaning and purpose in the struggle.”
Watch Harry give his speech below.
I don’t find that the top fits very well. It bunches in the underarm/bust area. Not sure why she would buy it in multiple colours. ..
Meghan looks lovely but I’m not sure why she wore black to the occasion. It seems an odd choice but the blouse and skirt fit well and look good on her regardless. I’m not loving the severe hair in a pony. One of her looser styles would have softened the all black outfit. The only time the severe hair in a pony worked was in The Picture (taken in the rain) of, I believe, her and Harry’s last official royal event where she’s wearing the blue dress and the fantastic makeup. That will forever be my favorite dressed up look of hers. Looking forward to seeing what she wears next!
This Givenchy outfit looks great on her as did the green version in Ireland. Also accessorized very well. Think her makeup is a little to all-over beige. A little more pink either on her cheekbone or lip would have brightened things up especially since she was wearing very tiny (but pretty) earrings.
This outfit is okay. I liked the green version better and the slicked back hair is too severe in my opinion. I’m glad she has moved away from high waisted pleated pants!
When it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! The green Givenchy outfit in Ireland was one of my favorites that she wore while she and Harry were still in the UK. I couldn’t tell this morning when I first saw the video of her and Harry entering the UN so I just thought she was wearing a black professional outfit. It’s just as nice in black as it is in green! Also nice call back with the earrings.
Haven’t watched Harry’s speech in full but the excerpts I’ve read have been pretty great. I did notice there weren’t many people in the UN General Assembly room but it doesn’t look like this was meant to be a heavily attended event? They didn’t announce Harry’s speech very far in advance and I’m not sure how well attended Nelson Mandela Day usually is at the UN. Seemed like a more intimate setting which must have been nice.
The UN General Assembly isn’t in session that’s why. Session starts in Sept. Most country’s representatives aren’t in NY.
Not too bad!! She looks tailored, polished & professional!
Yes, she does look tailored, polished and professional, but also mega boring. This was a day to celebrate Mandela and a bit of colour would have been more cheery.. The very severe hairdo didn’t help.