Even on vacation,Meghan Markleand Prince Harry are finding ways to support causes close to their hearts.
The royal couple stepped back from the public eye for some valuable “family time” together as the year comes to a close, but both Meghan and Harry returned to the spotlight on Tuesday to share special messages.
In honor of World Access to Higher Education Day, the Duchess of Sussexreleased a statementto her patronage, the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
“Today, on World Access to Higher Education Day, we are able to celebrate the vital role that colleges and universities play in society and how important it is for all people, regardless of gender or socioeconomic background, to have the opportunity to access this higher education. The value of this cannot be understated,” Meghan, a graduate of Northwestern University, said. “Because education expands mindsets, and those minds can then expand the scope of the world at large. From a micro to a macro level, it is with education that we see great change.”
Meghan, 38, also spoke about meeting Kenyan Simon Kiongo earlier this year and learning about how he traded vegetables from his family farm to cover his tuition costs.
“It struck me as such a prime example of how so many around the world yearn for education and do whatever they can to afford themselves that opportunity,” she said. “Now, with support from the ACU, he is doing remarkable cancer research for his country, specifically looking at fertilizers in the food supply and the carcinogenic links that has on community health. Simon is higher education in action.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Dominic Lipinski/PA
The royal mom concluded, “I am proud to be patron of the ACU and all that it stands for, as we champion those seeking a higher education and commit to making this world a better place – together.”
Prince Harryalso made a special appearance at Oslo RevCon — via video message — to speak about continuing the work of his late mother, Princess Diana, to clear the world of dangerous landmines. His message comes just months after hevisited the area of Angolawhere Diana famously walked through an active landmine field, now an active community.
“I truly wish that she could have seen the impact,” Harry said in the clip. “Today, nearly 4,000 landmines have been cleared from within a mile of where she walked. Where she saw danger and desolation, I saw a thriving community. Where she witnessed pain and suffering, I met hundreds of schoolchildren who had no idea that the pavement they stood on was once a mine field.
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty; Dominic Lipinski/PA Images
Meghan and Harry revealed they wouldtake about six weeks offtowards the end of the year amid their concerns that theintense scrutinythey’ve faced has been tough on the couple.
“The duke and duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time,” a royal source confirmed to PEOPLE.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are alsoskipping the annual holiday festivitiesat Sandringham — including their public walk to church on Christmas morning — withQueen Elizabethand the rest of the royal family.
source: people.com
