Meghan supports Harry as he recalls Diana's relationship with Nelson Mandela during speech

Orla Pentelow
·Fashion and Shopping Writer, Yahoo Life UK
Updated ·2-min read
Meghan Markle joined her husband Prince Harry at the UN General Assembly on Monday, where he made the keynote speech to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. (Getty Images)
Meghan Markle joined her husband Prince Harry at the UN General Assembly on Monday, where he made the keynote speech to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. (Getty Images)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in New York on Monday to attend an informal meeting of the United Nations General Assembly marking the annual celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day.

Prince Harry addressed the UN general assembly as the keynote speaker during the day of celebration in honour of the former South African President.

The Duke of Sussex, 37, spoke about the legacy of the South African leader who spent 27 years in prison and became his country’s first Black leader during his keynote address.

The couple - who stepped away from senior royal duties in 2020 - have been vocal about honouring the late civil rights activist after meeting his widow, Graça Machel, in 2019 during a tour of South Africa.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held hands as they arrived for the United Nations General Assembly. (Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held hands as they arrived for the United Nations General Assembly. (Getty Images)

Watch: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the UN General Assembly

Prince Harry’s connection with Mandela was strengthened by his late mother, Princess Diana, who formed a close bond with the civil rights activist after they met in Johannesburg shortly before her untimely death in 1997, and the former leader often praised late-princess’ charity work around the world.

"On my wall, and in my heart, everyday, there is an image of my mother and Mandela meeting in Cape Town in 1997," said Harry during his speech.

Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana met at the Mandela's home, Goldendale, in Cape Town in March 1997, shortly before her untimely death. (Getty Images)
Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana met at the Mandela's home, Goldendale, in Cape Town in March 1997, shortly before her untimely death. (Getty Images)

"When I first looked at the photo, straightaway that jumped out was the joy on my mother's face, the playfulness, cheekiness, even," he added. "The pure delight to be in communion with another soul so committed to serving humanity."

Meghan Markle, 40, who herself addressed UN Women on gender equality in 2015, supported her husband at the international event at United Nations Plaza in New York.

The duchess wore a smart black figure-hugging, knee-length dress, which featured three-quarter length sleeves. She wore her hair back in a coiffed ponytail and accessorised with a black Mulberry handbag and high heels.

Meghan Markle accessorised with a black tote bag by British brand Mulberry. (Getty Images)
Meghan Markle accessorised with a black tote bag by British brand Mulberry. (Getty Images)

The 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize will also be awarded to Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté of Guinea during the informal meeting.

The UN Nelson Mandela Prize is an honorary award which is presented every five years to two laureates, one female and one male, for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly are also expected to deliver remarks at this event.