Meghan Markle reached out to a British high school to encourage its students to learn about important women of the past.
The Duchess of Sussex wrote a personal letter to the roughly 700 students who attend Robert Clack Upper School in the town of Dagenham in East London on Monday, one year after visiting the school in person. “It was this time a year ago that I had the pleasure of meeting so many of you during my visit to celebrate International Women’s Day and mark the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act,” she wrote in the note that was released by the school on social media on Thursday. “I look back on that day with such fond memories, and think of you all frequently, especially recognizing how difficult it’s been for students and families during the past year.”
She continued, “This International Women’s Day, in collaboration with the work of our non-profit organization, Archewell Foundation, we are encouraging everybody to participate in real acts of compassion for the women in their lives and their community. One suggestion we have is to take a moment to learn about the trailblazing women who came before us.” Meghan added that she’s been “recently thinking about Geraldine Dear,” a striker who championed for equal pay in the 1960s whom the royal met at the school in 2020. “Without women like Geraldine, who formed part of the original group of women advocating for equal pay, so much of what we do now wouldn’t be possible. By knowing and appreciating legacy, we can—and you can—find inspiration to create legacy.”
She concluded, “All of you, the young women and young men here today, will continue paving the way for a better and more compassionate future. Small acts of compassion have the power to make a real and lasting difference, and I thank all of you for the kindness you provided me during my visit. I also thank you for the memories you gave to me that I still hold and cherish.” In a post-script she also thanked the teenage students for the memento they have her during last year’s visit, writing, “I still have the Debate Society team jacket you gave me with me here in California and wear it often. Thank you again for thinking of me!”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also issued another letter in honor of International Women’s Day, this time to Luminary Bakery—a London bakery that aims to empower women who have been the victim of violence, sex trafficking, incarceration, or homelessness through teaching them how to bake. “Across the world, we’ve seen how families, and especially women and mothers, have been disproportionately affected by the impact of COVID-19,” the royal couple wrote. “Yet, whilst facing multiple and complex challenges presented by the pandemic, you have continued to serve your community and act with compassion throughout. We are honored to know such an amazing and inspiring group of women. And we’re thinking of you often. Your strength and dedication to your community will never go overlooked. Sending our very best, from our family to yours, and celebrating you today and every day.”
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