Meghan Markle gave a passionate and political speech on feminism and women’s suffrage in New Zealand, and its broken one of the royal family’s most important rules.
New Zealand is celebrating its 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage – it was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote.
Speaking at Government House, in front of a portrait of her grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II and with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in attendance, Meghan commended the country and talked about the importance of feminism.
The Royal Family does not normally comment on politics, meaning the Duchess of Sussex’s speech broke royal protocol.
The Duchess of Sussex has said the women of New Zealand who fought for universal suffrage are “universally admired”.
She said: “The achievements of the women of New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in the world to achieve it, are universally admired.
“In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the larger impact of what this symbolises.
“Because yes – women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness.”
She said that women’s suffrage is about not just the right to vote for women, but also about what the represents: “The basic and fundamental human right of all people – including members of society who have been marginalised – whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation – to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community.”
Meghan ended the speech with a quote from Kate Sheppard, New Zealand’s most recognised suffragette who appears on their $10 note.
“‘All that separates, whether of race, class, creed or sex, is inhuman and must be overcome’.” she said.
The speech was extremely well-received on social media, with fans praising the duchess for her address.
Harry and Meghan will continue their tour in New Zealand on October 29, exploring the countries smallest national park.
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