Monday 5 September 2022

Meghan Shares "Full Circle" Moment During One Young World Manchester Summit Keynote Address

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their visit to the UK and Germany today with a trip to Manchester for the One Young World 2022 summit.

If I'm not mistaken, it's Meghan first working visit to Manchester. One Young World holds a very special place in her heart and her work with them has been something she relished from her time in Canada during Suits to her life as a Duchess in London.

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Described as "the world’s biggest and most impactful youth leadership summit", the annual One Young World Summit brings together 2,000+ of the brightest young leaders from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact both in-person and digitally. Delegates from 190+ countries are counselled by influential political, business, and humanitarian leaders.

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The Duke and Duchess arrived via train, travelling from Frogmore Cottage earlier today.

Scenes in Manchester.


The opening ceremony was held at Bridgewater Hall, a celebrated concert venue and home of the Hallé Orchestra.

Inside the hall as the event got underway.

The Duke and Duchess make their entrance. Reporter Nicole Wooton-Cane said the couple got "the biggest cheer without a doubt".

The couple were greeted with hugs by founders Kate and David and former president of the Republic of Ireland Mary Robinson.

Ahead of this evening's summit, Kate and David Jones said: "The Duchess of Sussex has been a truly amazing supporter of One Young World for the past eight years. It has been inspiring to see her continue to champion young leaders in our community, both in public and behind the scenes. We are so grateful for her ongoing support and can’t wait to welcome the Duke and Duchess to Manchester". 

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It was lovely to see this moment tonight.

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The Duke and Duchess take their seats.

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Counsellors taking part in the One Young World Summit 2022 include former Irish Head of State and Climate Justice Advocate, President Mary Robinson; musician and activist, Sir Bob Geldof; USA Olympian, Ibtihaj Muhammad; and oceanographer and author, Professor Sylvia Earle.

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Before the opening ceremony, Harry and Meghan met with young ambassadors at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

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When Meghan was asked to join as a counsellor in 2014, she 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."

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Serving as a counsellor, Meghan has joined leaders such as Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Former UN Secretary-General 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 organization was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson, and is 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 organizations are joined by world leaders to act as One Young World counsellors.

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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 dodged 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, stand against the backdrop of the Ottawa skyline.

In 2019, Meghan attended the summit in her role as a member of the Royal family. On the night, 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."

When it comes to public speaking, I have rarely heard finer than Meghan's speeches. She has an ability to weave a story -- connecting her personal experiences with the focus at hand -- she did just that tonight by delivering a charming, warm and insightful address. The Duchess opened with the words: "It's very nice to be back in the UK."

The beaming Duchess told the audience "the resounding spirit I believe you'll hear is you are the future. But I would like to add that you are also the present. You are the ones driving the positive and necessary change needed across the globe now in this very moment. And for that I'm so grateful to be in your company today".

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Meghan recalled the year she was asked to be a counsellor -- 2014: "In many ways at the time, I was probably a lot like each of you, young and ambitious and advocating for the things I profoundly and deeply cared about." Meghan shared her feelings surrounding the first major event she attended as "the girl from Suits", adding: "I wondered if I was good enough to even be there. What I was doing in the world — albeit important and meaningful as far as I saw it — was it deserving of a seat at this table?  But One Young World saw in me what I wanted to see fully in myself, they saw in me just as I see in you the present and the future."

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Smiling, Meghan added: "I want to make that point because often times I speak to young girls about the years ahead. About what you will do, about what you will have to adopt to fix from previous generations and also what legacy you will leave. Too often in that, we neglect the point -- you are doing it now. You, here in this present moment -- this is where it is all beginning."

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The Duchess shared memories of her time as a One Young World counsellor. From taking a day off filming Suits to fly from Toronto to Ottawa to the 2019 London summit when her life had changed "significantly". Meghan said: "I was now married, and I was now a mom. My worldview had expanded exponentially seeing the global community through the eyes of my child and I would ask: 'What is this world he would come to adopt?' and 'What can we do -- what can I do -- to make it better?'" The comments were met with applause and cheers.

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Turning to Harry, Meghan added: "I am thrilled that my husband is able to join me here this time, to be able to see and witness firsthand my respect for this incredible organization and all that it provides, as well as accomplishes. One Young World had been an integral part of my life for so many years before I met him, so to meet again here on UK soil with him by my side makes it all feel full circle."

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Praising her husband's efforts in working with young people, Meghan described the moment as "incredibly humbling", telling the assembled guests: "We often hear people say 'The time is now', but I'm going to double down on that, by saying your time is now. The important work can't wait for tomorrow. This week the world is watching as you cement you place in history by showcasing the good that you are doing today.

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"As we embraced the moment of now to create a better tomorrow."

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Hugs and a group shot afterwards.

A great snap.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the opening ceremony. I would highly recommend listening to the speakers -- from Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham's rousing words about the history of the suffragette movement with its roots in Manchester, to the inspiring way the city came together with strength after the Manchester Arena attack. Mary Robinson spoke beautifully, posing the question: "What if our best world is still ahead of us?" It's a celebration of diversity, of the power of young people and the value in global togetherness. Catch up on the entire ceremony by clicking here.

As the Duke and Duchess left, onlookers waiting outside shouted: "We love you Meghan." The couple boarded a train from Manchester afterwards.

In a perfectly fitting choice for the city, the Duchess was the epitome of understated elegance in a red ensemble by Another Tomorrow (with thanks to Victoria Murphy for confirmation).

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Another view.

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The Bow Blouse in 'Fire Red' is described: "Our collarless bow blouse in sustainable viscose has the delicate drape and feel of a textured silk georgette, with classic cuffs and a minimal shirt tail hem designed to be tucked in or worn loose." The Classic Trousers: "Timeless flat-front straight leg suit trouser in seasonless custom-made merino wool sourced to the farm." Both items are presently available on the brand's website.

The Bow Blouse is a staple piece in the collection. Below, we see it in pink and black.

More on the sustainable New York-based brand:

'Vanessa Barboni Hallik founded Another Tomorrow after taking a sabbatical from her finance career to grow her understanding of responsible environmental and social practices, expanding on her master’s in Sustainability Management from Columbia University. Jane Chung joined in after a 25-year design tenure at Donna Karan and together they’re working towards tackling some of fashion’s most pressing issues, such as pollution of production chains, animal cruelty and unfair working conditions. The refined ready-to-wear collection reflects their penchant for easy tailoring and timeless staples and is made from trackable organic linen and cotton, wool and FSC-certified viscose to give wearers the opportunity to learn how the garment is made.'

Now, to those fabulous shoes...

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They are a past-season style by Aquazzura (another great find by Japanese Ginger).

Meghan accessorised with gold earrings and a gold ring by ethical and sustainable brand Tabayer (with thanks to What Meghan Wore for the great find).

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Below, Meghan's gorgeous Oera 18K Fairmined Yellow Gold Earrings and Yellow Gold Loop Oera Ring.

Tomorrow, Harry and Meghan will make a flying visit to Germany for the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 One Year to Go event.

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It was a fantastic start to the week, I think you'll agree.

18 comments:

  1. The Duchess's professional public-speaking skills are among the gifts that the royal family and Palace machine sacrificed when they failed to recognize what a golden asset had arrived in their midst and didn't do all they could to nurture and protect that asset. Unfortunately, for all the coaching various royals have received over the years, most of them really aren't very good public speakers. To be fair, most people in general are not, but MS is.

    Alas, for what might have been....

    I am usually not a great fan of monochrome blouse and trouser outfits, for reasons I find hard to explain, but the Duchess always wears red beautifully, and she carries this look off well. Likewise, I don't love tie-neck blouses (they remind me of the 70s and early 80s, when newly-professional women were being told to wear "female ties" in order to look as serious in the office as men supposedly did), but this version's ties are long enough that they can be tossed around and draped in different ways, not merely looped in a demure and drooping pussy bow.

    All in all, a good look for the occasion. Glad to see MS is maintaining ties with an organization she supported well before she met Prince Harry.



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    1. Thanks for your good comment .I agree.

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  2. I was happy to see the outfit was from a source with a purpose. :) The ability to be a really good speaker is not something many people. They can learn to be better, but I think of how very few US politicians can be listened to for long. Without implying anything political, I am certain that Obama's incredible speaking style put him ahead of Hilary; Obama's eulogy for John Lewis had me literally screaming in front of the TV. Meghan had a very solid speech, but presentation is SO important to keep people's attention and I thought she was excellent. I am now focused on her earrings -- I thought, in the video, that I saw little red balls on the loops, so I'll enjoy seeing what they actually look like. :)

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  3. This is a lovely elegant, chic outfit. The red color looks fabulous. I love the earrings, cannot quite make out the design though.

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  4. The Duchess's professional public-speaking skills are among the gifts she has she the power to speak and everyone listen All in all, a good look for the occasion. Glad to see them the outfit really powerful

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  5. Thank you, Charlotte, for your great coverage as always. It was wonderful to see Meghan looking so fantastic, and to hear her speak. As Vittoria noted above, her public speaking skills are incredible. She grabs the listener with her magnetism, strength, vulnerability and caring, etc.

    I am one of Meghan's greatest fans, but I must say that I was quite surprised by the subject matter of what was supposed to be a Keynote speech for the opening of One Young world's summit. I'm confused as to why she chose to make the majority of her speech about her history with One Young world. Was she perhaps speaking to the British Media and their hateful followers, giving them her history with this group to counteract their claim that she would be nothing without her connection to the royal family?

    I was also perplexed by her use of the word "nice" twice in her opening remarks. The word "nice" has negative connotations for me, and seems an unusual usage for Meghan. Was she cleverly trolling? That thought rather makes me smile.

    It's always heart warming to see Harry and Meghan's sweet love for each other.

    R

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    1. Similar feelings, re: subject of speech (great speaker that she is). Loved the look, not into bow blouses but looked good here. -op

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  6. She's really a great public speaker.

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  7. I know Meghan has a gift for public speaking, but this speech was next level! Wonderful to see her continuing her pre-Harry support of such a fantastic cause. Gorgeous ensemble on her and loved that it's a sustainable brand. How does she manage to look so chic, demure and sexy at the same time?! Beautiful!

    Whitney

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  8. I am so glad .
    Brillant ! So éloquently articuled. God's Abundant blessings Upon her , Harry, and their Children.

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  9. Meghan's speech was about her journey -- but I think it was meant to tell each attendee that they too will have a history, a journey, with OYW. And thank you, Charlotte, for showing the new jewelry -- the pieces are bigger than her usual style, and bolder. I like them -- I'm not fond of jewelry with "blunt ends" but these are very striking.

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    1. Thanks, Allison. I hadn't thought about that reason for her sharing. That makes perfect sense.

      R

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  10. To gain the confidence of young people, so that young people listen to you, understand, they need to identify with people with lived experience and sincere and not with someone who comes to sell them wind. I think Meghan did it very well: talk about her story, which she still does most often because she doesn't deny her difficult past until she succeeded and that's a good example. This is for me the key to encouraging a youth who fights in this difficult world with the desire at any time to give up. And as very often the haters will look for small animals simply because the discount comes from Meghan who is known etc... A stranger could have made this same speech that these same haters would not have listened to because it is not the speech but it's Meghan. Congratulations Meghan, I think many young people have captured the essentials: no matter where you are born, your origins, your financial difficulties and others: you arrive with an enterprising, courageous and fighting spirit. you don't necessarily get to the top but where you get you are extremely proud of your combat journey because you fall and get up.

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  11. To gain the confidence of young people, so that young people listen to you, understand, they need to identify with people with lived experience and sincere and not with someone who comes to sell them wind. I think Meghan did it very well: talk about her story, which she still does most often because she doesn't deny her difficult past until she succeeded and that's a good example. This is for me the key to encouraging a youth who fights in this difficult world with the desire at any time to give up. And as very often the haters will look for small animals simply because the discount comes from Meghan who is known etc... A stranger could have made this same speech that these same haters would not have listened to because it is not the speech but it's Meghan. Congratulations Meghan, I think many young people have captured the essentials: no matter where you are born, your origins, your financial difficulties and others: you arrive with an enterprising, courageous and fighting spirit. you don't necessarily get to the top but where you get you are extremely proud of your combat journey because you fall and get up.

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  12. This is a favorite for me. We short-waisted women look well in a monochromatic unbroken line. Even a Cityzen like me can appreciate Meghan honoring Manchester United with this lovely shade of red. She’s a consummate professional. Doing good in the world. Go Duchess!
    - Karen in Virginia

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  13. really great speech and beautiful outfit and hair. too bad they didn't have time to see their family while in england. saw the negative press coverage from piers today must be awful to be as unpleasant and bitter his obsession is frightening.

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  14. To think of the fact that she was doing humanitarian work and has established herself well in her career way before she met her husband (compared to her sister in law, who only had a knowledge of nightclubs before being proposed to) makes me respect her even more.

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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 :)