Tuesday 22 October 2019

Duchess Meghan in Purple Artizia for One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony

The Duchess of Sussex attended the One Young World Summit opening ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall this evening.


Meghan worked closely with several incredible organisations during her time in Canada when she was filming Suits. She worked particularly closely with One Young World for several years before meeting Harry. Serving as a counsellor, she joined leaders such as Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Kofi Annan, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway in the role. One Young World counsellors lend their global stature to the delegates' views and inspire them to create positive change. The organisation was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson. They are a UK-based charity that gathers together the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change. An annual summit is held, during which the most valuable young talent from global and national companies, NGOs, universities and other forward-thinking organisations are joined by world leaders to act as One Young World counsellors.


Take a look at this arrival... Meghan greeted One Young World counsellors including Bob Geldof, Doutzen Kroes and Ellie Goulding before making her entrance. We know it's been a deeply difficult time for the Duchess, and with that in mind, I know the rapturous welcome she received will have meant a lot to her.



When she arrived on stage, there was a very sweet moment as founder Kate curtsies and Meghan goes straight in for a hug instead. She's very much part of the One Young World family.

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Meghan said: "When I was asked to be a counsellor at One Young World, my response was a resounding 'yes'. One Young World invites young adults from all over the world who are actively working to transform the socio-political landscape by being the greater good. They are delegates who are speaking out against human rights violations, environmental crises, gender equality issues, discrimination and injustice. They are the change."


Meghan participated in the One Young World 2014 Summit in Dublin where she joined a panel for the 'Bridging the Gap' session. A very special moment in the summit came when Meghan introduced a young Eritrean activist, Luwam, who literally ran from bullets to gain her freedom from slavery. Meghan described meeting her as "very emotional because it's just so humbling and she's just so incredible". The Duchess also participated in the Ottawa summit in 2016.


Below, the Duchess with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau during the 2016 Summit.


Also taken at the 2016 Summit, Meghan with Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, poet Fatima Bhutto, and women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul, against the backdrop of the Ottawa skyline.


Now, several years later, Meghan is attending the summit in her role as a member of the Royal family. Ahead of tonight's appearance, Sussex Royal shared: "This evening she again joins world leaders and activists to celebrate the youth of today as they tackle some of the world’s greatest problems. She is proud to attend as Vice President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust and to continue her long-standing commitment to this very important summit."


Harry and Meghan's Commonwealth roles mean a great deal to them, and I've long thought we would see a collaboration between the QCT and OYW, which is why it was fantastic to hear they had teamed up to offer scholarships "to connect young leaders driving positive social impact in the Commonwealth with the opportunity to attend One Young World conference in 2019".


Successful applicants from member nations were awarded access to the summit with all costs involved covered.


This year, the global forum for youth leaders brings together 2,000 young people from over 190 countries around the world to accelerate social impact.

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The opening ceremony was filled with fantastic performances from a range of artists.

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More than 200 performers from a range of backgrounds will open One Young World London 2019 to the soundtrack of 'London's Calling' by the Clash.


Headlining acts including Jay Sean; one of the UK's leading musical directors Tansy Aked; award-winning cellist Yaroslava Trofymchuk; and the Royal Ballet's award-winning soloist and cleaner oceans campaigner Fernando Montano. Graduate of the Royal Opera House and leading soprano Francesca Chiejina sang the National Anthem. UK sustainable fashion designer Patrick McDowell dressed all performers in 100% sustainable costumes using only reclaimed fabrics and organic materials.


Ella Robertson, Managing Director International, One Young World said:

"London is one of the most diverse cities in the world with a strong heritage, and a leader in the creative industries - we are extremely proud to have a line-up that is reflective of our city."

Founder Kate Robertson told the audience: "All of you have been chosen because of your outstanding record of leadership. To those of whom much has been given, much is now asked."


A very special moment as delegates from North Korea and South Korea embrace.


Uniting under the One Young World flag.


A great video from Sussex Royal.




The Duchess brought back the gorgeous purple Artizia dress she wore in Birkenhead in January when she was expecting Archie. I thought it such a fabulous colour for her at the time, and it was a delight to see it again tonight.


The sold out $138 Maxwell dress is cut from matte satin and expertly tailored for a flattering, feminine shape. Meghan's piece has been altered to create to a smaller slit.


Meghan wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in navy suede.



Later this week, the Duchess will hold a round-table discussion with several of the OYW young leaders to address the issue of gender equality worldwide, and how we can all play our part to reach equality for all.

41 comments:

  1. Wow, she took my breath away. Beautiful color on her! Get out there girl. Go get em.

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  2. Rita, I agree. I didn't realize it was the same dress. Seen in daylight with a red coat, the purple looked brighter than it does here. She looks just stunning with all that gorgeous black hair, too, which is always her best accessory along with her smile. Looks happy -- this meeting is what she loves, and then looking forward to six weeks with family doesn't hurt either.

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  3. She looks beautiful and glowing with health.

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  4. It's a good look, flattering length. I like the shoes, too.

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  5. Way to go! Push forward. Prove them wrong. She is positively glowing.

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    1. Agree! Certain news outlets are still making negative headlines about her. When there continues to be no truth to the stories, it will become evident is all fake news and those constantly criticizing will become obviously irrelevant. Meghan, you are doing a splendid job! Everything you do is so purposeful and makes such a difference. Keep up the good work!!

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  6. Wonderful organization and just lovely to see her continuing support. The dress is phenomenal on her and I adore the purple with the blue shoes. This is one of her best looks imo and I agree, her hair also looks beautiful.

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  7. I love the color. She looks beautiful.

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  8. Anne-Sophie de Paris22 October 2019 at 20:02

    Go Meghan !
    Ne baisse pas les bras. Tu es forte tu es généreuse.tu es un modèle pour les jeunes filles
    Harry et ton fils .t'adorent
    Nous aussi sur ce site pour la plupart d'entre nous.
    Courage ma chère duchesse.

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  9. She handled her entrance so well! It must be hard to navigate stairs and lights and people. In heels. So good to see her out in her element.

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  10. The dress comes from the store Aritzia. It’s a Canadian store. Love your blog!

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  11. Becca H in Colorado22 October 2019 at 22:22

    YAS, Meghan! She keeps smiling, which can't be easy given everything that's been going on. Good for her. She looks incredible, too. I love her hair this length and she's always so glowing.

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  12. Awesome!!!! Duchess of Sussex, you ROCK and you ROCK steady. Great color for her. Thanks, Charlotte. You never disappoint in presenting us with an opportunity to learn; not just look at pictures. Thank you.

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  13. It was nice to see The Duchess of Sussex today at this One Young World Summit event. She looked stunning.

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  14. Wow. Absolutely stunning. She’s glowing. And radiant. The dress is even more spectacular the second go-round and that’s saying a lot considering red is my fav color.

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  15. She looks amazingly stunning. I hope she felt the love tonight after being so vulnerable in the documentary that recently aired.

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  16. Thank you, Charlotte. It's good to see Meghan looking so good as she returns to an organization she's been involved with for several years. Thanks for including one her previous appearances there. Lovely color on her.

    R

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  17. Thank you, Charlotte. It's good to see Meghan looking so good as she returns to an organization she's been involved with for years. Thanks for including one her previous appearances there. Her passion for empowering women and girls is inspiring. Lovely color on her.

    R

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  18. Lovely dress and so happy to see Meghan out with her head held high.

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  19. Lovely dress and so happy to see Meghan out with her head held high.

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  20. Whoa! M looks amazing! I love this simple dress on her, and I'm glad we got to see it again without the coat. Her hair looks fabulous - I really like the length.

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  21. I thought I love the dress the first time around but I have to admit, that it was the combination with the coat that made it great. On its own it’s rather blank. The colour doesn’t shine. Also the cut fit her much better when she was pregnant.
    I think it must have taken quite some strength to got out after those last days.
    C.

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  22. Wow! She looks incredibly beautiful. I love her dress, it looks great. She is thee most beautiful Woman.

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  23. Beautiful dress, Meghan looks wonderful.

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  24. Oh! Our girl is stunning tonight and beaming with inner light! What an entrance too!
    I love that she kept this charity so close to her heart.
    Go get the world, Meghan!

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  25. She is stunning truly gorgeous!!!!! She glowed and held her head tall and high after recent backlash about speaking out in her documentary good for her! She seems so warm and genuine

    Thanks Charlotte

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  26. Great to see her continue some pre-Harry work. Also cool to see this dress without the coat! Looking good. The long, monochromatic dress & long flowing (beautiful) hair did seem a little... Subdued, I think? Fitting but shy? Do y'all think she's recycling so much lately re: press sniping or (what I'm thinking) her maternity dresses are more comfortable? Never had a baby so would love input:) -op

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    1. I think Meghan looks beautiful. I think she is wise enough not to invest in a new wardrobe knowing her figure is still in post baby mode. She is looking healthy and her hair has such a beautiful shine. Let us not forget it takes 9 months to grow a baby and at least that long to get back into shape the healthy way.

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  27. The color of the dress is great on her, but I feel the overall look is missing something. A glittery clutch or small belt would have upped it a bit for me.

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  28. MJE from Bangladesh23 October 2019 at 14:01

    She looks gorgeous! But imo the red shoes looked better.

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  29. It's good to be reminded of Meghan's pre-Harry work, and that she is now attending as vice-president of Queen's Commonwealth Trust. It gives continuity to her philianthropic work which was well-established before she ever met Harry. I hope that Meghan can someday work again with the United Nations as do other European royalty, and with World Vision. It feels symbolic that Meghan's first appearance after the documentary is with the youth of the world- which is a constituency that Harry and Meghan have dedicated themselves to working with. I think she has a well-established record of being involved with helping to bring about practical help to improve the lives of people-such as water wells and providing sanitary products to young girls so that they can go to school. She was not one to just lend lip service. I think she carefully chooses her causes to ones to which she can bring real help. She looked stunning in the unadorned but striking purple dress. No neutrals tonight!! She has such a beautiful face, and her smile, with that luxuriant hair gives her the glow of health, self-assurance, and vibrancy. When the tabloids' character assassinations of Meghan started, I hoped that they would not destroy her spirit, and her joyfulness with life. I pray that they have not.

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  30. I wouldn't have realized that this was the same dress she had worn earlier this year. I like it sooo much better without the red coat. It's absolutely gorgeous on Meghan and stunning in its simplicity. I think this is my favorite dress she's ever worn. She really should wear jewel tones more often. Beautiful!!

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  31. Glad to see her back. Love to see the continuous support for this terrific organization. Dovetails nicely with her work with the commonwealth young people too,

    She looks great, dress not too fussy and the vibrant color draws the eye. (I bow to my betters though for final fashion critique as I’m the gal that went to work today with her shirt inside out.)

    - Martine

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  32. I like that she is still committed to prior charities she worked with before marriage. In the video it almost seemed like she shook her head when the founder went to curtsy instead of giving her a hug as if to say "no no no we're on hugging terms, I'm still the same girl from when I first met you guys" that to me was so sweet. Although she's a beautiful woman (and I love her look tonight) to me that pales in comparison to her strength of character and determination to hold her head high despite the vicious lies being spread about her and Harry. I don't think I would want to go out in public again if it were me.

    Janette

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  33. she looks amazing i love her outfit

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  34. Thanks Meg. For being strong and courageous. Your message to young people speaks volumes. I did not like the outfit but you shine anyway. Love you.

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  35. Loved the outfit! Purple is such a striking colour for the Duchess. I hope she wears more of it!

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)