Meghan Markle has praised those who ‘had the strength to stand up for something that they knew needed to be done’ in a post to mark International Women’s Day .
The Duchess of Sussex , 77, shared a series of unseen photos on the Sussex Royal Instagram today from her surprise visit to Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham, East London on Friday.
The Duchess had marked the day by visiting the school to meet with Geraldine Dear, who was one of the sewing machinists of the Ford Motor Company who walked out on strike for equal pay.
In a quote attributed to Meghan in the post, she wrote about the ‘incredibly profound’ visit to the school, saying: ‘Being in Dagenham is incredibly profound. Because as you can see with Geraldine and the other women who had the strength to really stand up for something that they knew needed to be done. ‘
Meghan Markle, , shared a series of unseen images on the Sussex Royal Instagram today from her surprise visit to Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham, East London on Friday (pictured)
In the post, the Duchess advocated women who ‘stand up for something that they knew needed to be done ‘
In a quote which was directly attributed to Meghan, she continued:’ This is the best example of no matter how small you might feel, how low you may feel on the ladder or the totem pole, no matter what color you are, no matter what gender you are, you have a voice, and you certainly have the right to speak up for what is right. ‘
In a series of previously unseen photographs, the Duchess could be seen greeting children at the school who appeared overjoyed to be in her presence.
In One snap, she could be seen sitting alongside pupils in a classroom, while in another she chatted with a group of girls who were dumbstruck to meet her.
In One of her last solo engagements as a working royal, Meghan – who also revealed that – month-old Archie is trying to walk – spoke with delighted pupils and met one of the women who fought a historic equal pay battle in the nearby Ford car plant.
The Duchess shared a series of unseen photographs from the visit on Friday, which was one of her last official engagements before stepping down
In a speech addressing the school’s boys in particular, she urged them to ‘continue to value and appreciate the women in your lives and also set the example for some men who are not seeing it that same way ‘.
‘ You have your mothers, sisters, girlfriends, friends in your life, protect them, ‘she said
‘Make sure that they are feeling valued and safe and let’s all just rally together to make International Women’s Day something that is not just on Sunday, but frankly feels like every day of the year.
‘Make sure that they are feeling valued and safe and let’s all just rally together to make International Women’s Day something that is not just on Sunday, but frankly feels like every day of the year.’
In the photographs, Meghan could be seen smiling as she spoke with students and listened to them speak about the significance of the day
As part of her visit, the Duchess of Sussex joined the school in Dagenham for an assembly
Meghan smiled broadly at two of the school’s youngest pupils, – year-olds Fiona Addai and Harvi Shehi, who both appeared shocked as she approached and asked their names.
The duchess thanked Fiona after the youngster presented her with a small bouquet of purple and white flowers. Fiona later said: ‘I was so happy, I thought I was going to faint.’
Meghan also marked the th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act on her visit to the school.
Her choice of location was noteworthy as strikes in the s by female sewing machinists at the nearby Ford Motor Plant triggered the passing of the legislation. That struggle was depicted in the 2010 film made in Dagenham.
In another photograph, the royal could be seen beaming as she performed an equal sign to mark International Women’s Day
Meghan told around 823 pupils in an assembly: ‘I think being able to be in Dagenham is incredibly profound … It is the best example of no matter how small you might feel, how low you may feel on the ladder or the totem pole, no matter what color you are, no matter what gender you are, you have a voice and you certainly have the right to speak up for what is right. ‘
The appearances over the last week have marked the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ first official trip to the UK since announcing they would be stepping back as senior royals.
The couple have had a number of appearances scheduled which will culminate tomorrow when they will join senior royals including the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Commonwealth Day service in London.
It is thought these will be Harry and Meghan’s last official duties before their royal roles officially come to an end on March . (Read More)
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings