Just hours ahead of the release of their hotly anticipated Netflix documentary series, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex doubled down on their war against “oppression” as they picked up a highly coveted award for their commitment to stamping out racism and de-stigmatising conversations around mental health.
Prince Harry and wife Meghan swapped their LA home for a night in New York on Tuesday evening, as they attended a gala held by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Foundation to pick up the Ripple of Hope award.
The accolade, which honours exemplary leaders across government, business, advocacy, and entertainment, boasts Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton among it’s impressive list of past recipients.
Dressed in a white off the shoulder gown by designer Louis Vuitton, Meghan looked every bit the star as she smiled for the cameras before heading into the star studded ceremony where she was more than happy to accept the award.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the biggest revelations from the evening.
Harry and Meghan wage war on “oppression”
As the couple picked up their award on Tuesday night, they confirmed that their efforts were only the “beginning” as they continued to take a stand against “injustice” in much the same way RFK had.
Speaking to the audience, Harry said: “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. We understand this honour, not about the culmination of a life's work, but instead and in many ways for us, a beginning.”
He added: “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.'"
Meghan then paid tribute to the “enduring dream” of the late RFK, before doubling down on her commitment to continue to honour his legacy.
The Duchess said: “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.
“He also said those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Meghan admits she “didn’t want to be alive anymore”
In easily one of the most poignant moments of the couple’s appearance at the awards, Meghan once again opened up about her mental health struggles, as she echoed claims previously made in her tell-all chat with Oprah Winfrey.
When pressed as to why she chose to share this deeply personal story with Oprah in the first place, the Duchess candidly replied: “I didn’t want anyone to feel alone.”
“When you've been through anything that's challenging, and everyone, especially in the past few years with lockdown and COVID, that spike in numbers of people having an experience they might not be voicing.”
“We all need to, when we can, if we feel brave enough, to just speak honestly about your own experience. It gives other people space and the courage to do the same, but more than that to really feel like you're not alone, because I think that is often what can be the largest hindrance when you feel that way, you don't see a way out.”
She added: “It gives other people space and the courage to do the same, but more than that to really feel like you're not alone, because I think that is often what can be the largest hindrance when you feel that way, you don't see a way out.”
Meghan then continued to recount her own experience: “Look, I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didn't say it, then I would do it. I just didn't want to be alive anymore.”
Concluding her speech, Meghan then urged others to share their struggles and speak openly about how they’re feeling, as it could just save someone’s life.
“Ultimately, if you feel like there's someone else that has a lived experience. They've gotten to the other side, and gave example of resilience, an example of 'there is a happy ending', I think that's what most people are probably seeking out in those moments.
“And that's why I made the decision to just say 'if my experience can help someone else not feel the same way or to know that there's hope then it's worth every second of whatever comes with it.’ “
Harry lightens the mood with “date night” jibe
In a much needed dose of levity, Prince Harry shared a dose of his lighthearted humour, as he jokingly made reference to the entire event being a “date night.”
Smiling brightly, the young royal told RFKHR president Kerry Kennedy that “I’ll be honest with you Kerry I just thought we were just going on a date night so I found it quite weird that we’re sharing the room with 1500 people.
“We don’t get out much these days because our kids are so small and young so, this is completely unexpected.”
As the audience erupted into laughter at the down to earth admission, he then continued: “But it's nice to share date night with all of you, so thank you for coming.”
Meghan also weighed in, as she added: “Thank you for bringing me on this very special date night.”
Archewell Foundation announces new award
During the ceremony the couple announced a brand new collaboration between their foundation The Archewell Foundation and the RFKHR – the Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film, in order to continue both organisation’s commitment to stamping out inequality.
The couple told the audience: “Our hope with this award is to inspire a new generation of leadership in the arts, where diverse up and coming talent have a platform to have their voices heard and their stories told,” the couple said in a statement.
“The values of RFK Foundation and The Archewell Foundation are aligned in our shared belief of courage over fear, and love over hate.
“Together we know that a ripple of hope can turn into a wave of change.”
Meghan’s sartorial tribute to Princess Diana
Alongside her stunning Louis Vuitton dress, Meghan also paid a tribute to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, as she sported the Princess's $90,000 aquamarine ring in a subtle nod to her own commitment to stamping out inequality throughout the 80’s and 90s.
The emerald cut ring was originally commissioned by the Princess of Wales back in the 1990’s from British jewelry brand Asprey, and has been worn on a number of occasions by the Duchess in recent years.
Kerry Kennedy brands couple “incredibly brave”
Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F Kennedy dubbed the couple “incredibly brave” for their continued efforts to raise awareness for mental health while also combatting racism.
Speaking to US outlet Extra on the event’s blue carpet, she told the publication: “They've stood up, they've talked about racial justice and they've talked about mental illness in a way that was incredibly brave.”
“In this world in the wake of Covid there has been a massive spike… people around the globe have said they have anxiety and massive depression.
For Meghan to get out there on national television and normalise discussion of mental health, at this point, is incredibly important and very brave.”
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