Meghan Markle shared an exclusive video with magazine Essence today, as she gave an impassioned speech about racism. The Duchess of Sussex recorded the video to address the graduating 2020 class at her old school, the Immaculate Heart High School. In the video, Meghan looked tearful as she sat and addressed the students from her new LA home.
Meghan’s look was pared back and simple for the virtual speech, in which she spoke out on the appalling death of George Floyd that has sparked protests around the world.
The Duchess wore her long hair straight, and in a laid-back, low side ponytail with a centre parting.
Her makeup was similarly subtle, as Meghan wore dark eyeliner and lashings of mascara for the video with otherwise natural makeup.
However, as she gave a heartfelt message to pupils at her old school, the Duchess wore a necklace with a special meaning behind it.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle speaks up on racism and her own experience
Meghan also wore small stud earrings, and two bracelets which came into the shot as she told the students about something her teacher told her when she was at school.
Both bracelets have special meanings which were particularly appropriate for the emotional message she shared with the school’s graduating class.
The Duchess appeared to wear the Cartier ‘Love’ Yellow Gold Bracelet, a thick gold bangle which has been described as an “iconic symbol of love that transgresses convention”, from the 1970s.
As the bracelet flashed up on screen, Meghan said: “Ms Pollia said to me as I was leaving for a day of volunteering, ‘always remember to put others’ needs above your own fears’.”
Meghan was also wearing a Monica Vinader Linear Friendship Bracelet in the video, with a plaited design in gold, which has a meaning of “generosity” according to the brand’s website. The bracelet costs £125 and features 18 carat gold vermeil.
Her clothing was smart but subtle for the video, pairing a plain white camisole top with a slightly sheer white cardigan.
Despite looking emotional as she gave the speech about the Black Lives Matter movement, the Duchess looked glowing on camera.
One Twitter user, @mimi_marandu said in response to the video: “Yay Megs, freedom looks good on you.”
The personal speech was appreciated by students graduating at the royal’s old school, with one posting: “Meghan Markle talking about George Floyd and BLM in my virtual graduation. I’m crying.”
Meghan attended the school from the age of 11 to 18, and had been planning to send a message to play at the students’ graduation ceremony.
However, the Duchess decided to speak out about recent events in the powerful message to the school.
Talking to the LA students, she said: “I wasn’t sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing and I was really nervous that it would get picked apart.
“And I realised the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing. Because George Floyd’s life mattered and Breonna Taylor’s life mattered and Philando Castile’s life mattered and Tamir Rice’s life mattered, and so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know. Stephon Clark, his life mattered.”
Encouraging the young students to use their voices to spark change, Meghan finished the video by saying: “’Please know that I am cheering you on all along the way, I am exceptionally proud of you, and I’m wishing you a huge congratulations on today, the start of all the impact you’re going to make in the world as leaders that we all so deeply crave. Congratulations ladies, and thank you in advance.”