Speaking about her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet, Meghan proudly shared that the little one has “found her voice,” a milestone that both she and Prince Harry deeply cherish.
In a speech centered on the power of Afro women, Meghan seamlessly blended personal reflections with broader messages of empowerment, emphasizing how her role as a mother is closely connected to her advocacy work. “Lilibet has found her voice, and we are so proud of that,” Meghan said, her pride shining through as she spoke of her daughter. “That’s how we create the conditions for a ripple effect—where young girls and young women know that if someone encourages them to use their voice and be heard, they will.”
The Duchess also paid tribute to her mother, Doria Ragland, whom she described as a source of strength and inspiration in her life. Meghan’s speech touched on the complexities of life and the importance of love, kindness, and generosity in overcoming challenges. “For me, I find inspiration in the strong women around me, my mother being one of them,” she shared, noting that her approach to life is not about confrontation but about “washing things over with love, kindness, and generosity.”
Meghan emphasized the importance of encouraging her daughter not to “sit in silence,” fostering an environment where Lilibet feels empowered to speak up. This commitment is central to Meghan’s identity both as a mother and as an advocate for women’s rights. “As women, we are multi-taskers and fixers. We all know how much representation matters,” she stated.
Meghan began her speech by addressing the audience in Spanish, a gesture that was met with enthusiastic applause. She warmly referred to Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, as “my friend,” underscoring the bond they had formed during the tour. “I would like to begin in Spanish because we are in your country, and I can feel this embrace from Colombia,” Meghan said, her Spanish fluent and heartfelt. “It’s incredible—so many, many thanks, because the culture, the history, everything has been like a dream on this trip.”
Apologizing for any imperfections in her Spanish, Meghan explained that she had learned the language 20 years ago during her time in Argentina but was determined to connect with her audience in their native tongue. “Sorry if my Spanish is not perfect,” she said, “but I’m trying because I can feel this community, and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Her remarks, particularly her reference to Márquez as a friend, resonated deeply with the Colombian audience. A local journalist commented on the significance of Meghan’s words, saying, “For Meghan to say ‘my friend’ in that way is such a powerful statement and shows just how close they have become. People will take note of that.”
Meghan then switched back to English to recount a childhood story that has become central to her advocacy for women’s voices. Reflecting on an experience at just 11 years old, Meghan shared how she wrote letters to Procter & Gamble after seeing a commercial she found sexist. Her efforts led the company to change the commercial, a victory that left a lasting impact on her. “I was very fortunate at a young age to feel as though my voice was being heard,” she said. “And that is a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren’t often afforded.”
She continued, “When you’re 11 years old and you realize that your small voice can have a large impact, it creates a framework to feel empowered to use your voice because you know you’re being listened to.”
