Meghan On CNN Heroes: "The Warmth Of A Meal Can Feel As Comforting As A Much-Needed Hug"

The Duchess of Sussex made a special appearance on CNN Heroes this evening. The programme celebrates everyday people changing the world - something we've all witnessed more than ever this year, as so many in our communities and families went beyond the call of duty throughout the pandemic.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex honors the people working to feed those in need during the pandemic on CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. Get Involved: https://t.co/MkgzSomt7H pic.twitter.com/jnPzPtmBGx

— CNN Heroes (@CNNHeroes) December 14, 2020

In keeping with her long-held belief in the power of food to bring communities together, Meghan spoke about those who dedicated their time to people experiencing food insecurity at a time of great uncertainty. The Duchess was introduced as co-founder of Archewell (a telling sign of things to come) and a champion of World Central Kitchen - a non-profit devoted to providing food in the wake of natural disasters. It was founded by chef José Andrés who also made an appearance on the show. The organisation provided food in Haiti following the shattering earthquake. Amidst COVID-19, they have provided meals all over America. I expect we'll hear more about Meghan's work with WCK once Archewell is launched.

The Duchess said, "For many families the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic and far too many were faced with a heartbreaking question: how am I going to put food on the table for my family?" Meghan spoke of the response demonstrating "the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times", adding, "We saw the good in people, in our neighbors and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbors went hungry."

Meghan continued, "We know the value of food as nourishment, as a life source, and in moments of crisis the warmth of a meal can feel as comforting as a much-needed hug. These moments reminded so many they are cared for. Tonight we are celebrating these quiet heroes - some of whom I know and others that we applaud from afar. They made sure that those around them did not have to suffer in isolation. They nourished their neighbours in more ways than one." The Duchess closed by echoing her poignant and moving words in the New York Times op-ed 'The Losses We Share'. "Even in the darkest times, when we come together we have the power to remind someone there is hope; and we will be OK."

Hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa, CNN Heroes has honoured those who go above and beyond for fourteen years. If you would like to donate in support of the incredible organisations highlighted, including World Central Kitchen, please click here.

The special programme tied in with several causes the Sussexes care deeply about. Angela Bassett spoke powerfully on the impact of protest. "When the world saw George Floyd on the ground with a knee on his neck - the Black Lives Matter movement was no longer considered on the radical fringe."

"When the world saw George Floyd on the ground with a knee on his neck… the Black Lives Matter movement was no longer considered on the radical fringe." @ImAngelaBassett on the power of protest. Get Involved: https://t.co/MkgzSomt7H pic.twitter.com/TK2Krv2dwT

— CNN Heroes (@CNNHeroes) December 14, 2020

The Most Inspiring Moment deservedly went to Patrick Hutchinson for his selfless act of humanity during a Black Lives Matter protest in London. You'll recall Harry talked to Patrick for a fantastic GQ conversation. More from CNN:

'Hutchinson, a father and grandfather, was attending his first Black Lives Matter demonstration in June, condemning statues of people with racist ties. They were met by White protesters who were there to protect the statues.

Clashes broke out and Hutchinson spotted an attack on a man who had wandered into the crowd. He and his friends decided they could not just stand by. They formed a cordon around the man on the ground, and Hutchinson moved in, picked him up in a fireman's carry and brought him to safety.

Photos captured that moment and quickly went viral online. Only later, British Transport Police identified Bryn Male, the man Hutchinson rescued, as a former officer.

Patrick Hutchinson spoke to CNN after the protest and explained what was going through his mind at that moment.

"My real focus was on avoiding a catastrophe, all of a sudden the narrative changes into 'Black Lives Matters, Youngsters Kill Protesters.' That was the message we were trying to avoid," he said.'

Dr Anthony Fauci revealed his heroes are frontline healthcare workers who have battled this pandemic, describing them as "superheroes".

Dr. Anthony Fauci honors frontline medical workers risking their lives during the pandemic. "They are superheroes." Get involved: https://t.co/MkgzSomt7H pic.twitter.com/GNRatAOFaO

— CNN Heroes (@CNNHeroes) December 14, 2020

Actor Jeffrey Wright honoured freedom fighters.

Indeed, we know both Harry and Meghan have been paying attention to CNN Heroes and following the inspirational stories of those highlighted. In August 2019, on their Sussex Royal Instagram account, they asked followers to nominate organisations which are "forces for change", searching for accounts "inspiring you to be and do better (or that simply make you feel good)". 

One of the final selections was the Blink Now Foundation - created by 2015 CNN Hero of the Year Maggie Doyne. Inspired by a trip to Nepal, Maggie's vision for the foundation is to support the country's most vulnerable children by providing a good education. Maggie believes "in the blink of an eye, we can all make a difference".

More from Blink Now:

'After Maggie Doyne’s senior year of high school, as her friends headed to college, the 18-year-old boarded a plane in New Jersey and set off to see the world with just her backpack and eyes wide open. Four countries and 20,000 miles later, she found herself trekking through the Himalayas and walking along the dirt roads of Nepal’s most poverty-stricken villages.

There, Maggie got to know a little six-year-old girl, one of the hundreds of struggling children she met on her journey. This little girl was breaking stones in a dry riverbed and selling them to earn a few dollars to feed her family. She was doing grueling work and faced profound challenges, yet a glimmer of light shined deep within. Maggie was shocked by what she saw and decided to take action.

What have we done as a human family that our children are living this way? More importantly, what can be done to reverse the course? Maggie got to work. She resolved to help this one little girl go to school, paying for her tuition, uniform, and books. Then she helped a few more children, then a few more. But some of the children Maggie was working with needed more than just financial support: they needed a place to call home.'

They also included 2014 CNN Hero Leela Hazzah - who founded Lion Guardians. The organisation has been working tirelessly to conserve lions and preserve lion culture since 2017. They work closely with young, traditional Maasai and other pastoralist warriors to learn the skills needed to effectively mitigate conflicts between people and wildlife, monitor lion populations, and help their own communities live with lions.

It was an unexpected treat to see the Duchess participating. The themes covered and heroes celebrating fit in perfectly with Harry and Meghan's plans for their work going forward. I have no doubt they are excitedly awaiting their first Christmas at their new home with Archie - the first of many. Meanwhile, they both received an early gift which will mean a great deal to them. When the Invictus Games Choir Twitter account received a barrage of abusive tweets, supporters of the couple responded by raising an astounding $23,000 over a twelve-hour podcast-a-thon by the Sussex Squad. The wonderful news follows the landmark announcement the Ministry of Defence in the UK will make mental fitness a mandatory part of military training. This follows years of work and campaigning by Prince Harry on the subject and undoubtedly his efforts on HeadFIT and Heads Together played a crucial role in this very welcome development. Harry has spent his adult life being a voice for those who served; that will never change.

I'm signing off with this lovely segment of Harry chatting with four families from his patronage WellChild. Harry surprised award winners Maddison, Katie, Marni and Evie for the festive call.