Meghan Markle gushes about her daughter, Lilibet, in speech about 'Afro women and power' during Colombian tour with Prince Harry

Meghan Markle's speech on the final day of her Colombian tour highlighted her pride in her daughter Lilibet, who, at just three years old, has already found her voice. Meghan also paid tribute to her mother, emphasizing the importance of strong female role models in her life. She spoke about the complexities of life and how finding inspiration in the strong women around her, including her mother, helps guide her approach to challenges. Her remarks underscored her commitment to supporting and empowering women and encouraging young girls to use their voices.

Meghan speaks as part of the panel at the Afro women and power forum in Cali

In her speech, Meghan Markle emphasized the importance of approaching challenges with love, kindness, and generosity rather than confrontation. She highlighted the role of women as multi-taskers and fixers who drive change, stressing the significance of representation.

Meghan (second left) speaks as part of the panel at the Afro women and power forum in Cali

Meghan also shared how she encourages her daughter Lilibet to be vocal and assertive. She believes that fostering this in young girls creates a ripple effect, inspiring them to use their voices and be heard.

Meghan Markle said that Lilibet (pictured in 2022) 'has found her voice and we are so proud of that' in the speech the Duchess also used to pay tribute to her mother.

During the debate, Meghan began by speaking in Spanish, referring to Ms. Marquesa as 'my friend,' and then continued in English to pay tribute to Harry, underscoring the personal and collaborative nature of their work and their appreciation for the warmth they experienced in Colombia.

Meghan Markle on stage for the Afro women and power debate in Cali

In her speech, Meghan Markle received enthusiastic applause when she began by speaking in Spanish, expressing her gratitude for the warm welcome she and Prince Harry received in Colombia. She acknowledged her imperfect Spanish, learned two decades ago in Argentina, but emphasized her effort to connect with the community. Meghan conveyed her deep appreciation for the culture and history of Colombia and thanked the vice president, whom she referred to as her friend, for the experience.

Meghan and Harry laugh as they sit in the audience at the Afro Women and Power event

A Colombian journalist noted the impact of Meghan Markle referring to the vice president as "my friend," highlighting how this gesture underscored their close relationship and would be noticed by many.

Meghan and Harry lift their hands up as they attend the Afro Women and Power event

Continuing in English, Meghan shared a personal story from her childhood about writing to Procter & Gamble to address a sexist commercial. She reflected on how fortunate she felt to have her voice heard at a young age, emphasizing that many young girls and women are not given that same opportunity. Meghan expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and the enriching experience of her trip to Colombia, describing it as a dream.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex seen at the Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voice of Equity at the Teatro Municipal on August 18, 2024 in Cali, Colombia

Meghan Markle apologized for any imperfections in her Spanish, acknowledging that she had learned the language 20 years ago in Argentina. Despite her concerns, she made the effort to speak Spanish to connect with the Colombian audience, expressing her deep appreciation for the community and experience.

Meghan speaks at the Afro women and power event in Cali on Sunday

The Colombian journalist's comment about Meghan calling the vice president "my friend" reflects the significance of that gesture. It was seen as a powerful statement that highlighted the strong bond between them and indicated a close, meaningful relationship that people would notice and remember.

Yerney Pinillo, Colombia Vice President Francia Marquez, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voice of Equity at the Teatro Municipal on August 18, 2024 in Cali, Colombia

In her speech, Meghan Markle shared a childhood experience of writing to Procter & Gamble, highlighting how fortunate she felt to have her voice heard at a young age. She emphasized that this opportunity is not commonly available to many young girls and women.

Harry and Meghan greet people on arrival to the Afro women and power debate

Her speech began with her expressing gratitude in Spanish, acknowledging the warm reception she and Prince Harry received in Colombia. Meghan described the experience as incredible and noted the special embrace from the community, demonstrating her appreciation for the culture and hospitality.

Meghan appeared on Nick News after lobbying the manufacturing company to change a TV ad for dishwashing liquid in 1993

In her speech, Meghan Markle expressed her gratitude for the Colombian culture and history, describing her trip as a dream. She apologized for any imperfections in her Spanish, noting that she learned the language 20 years ago in Argentina, but emphasized her effort to connect with the community. Meghan extended her thanks to the vice president, whom she referred to as her friend, and then continued her speech in English.

Meghan Markle reflected on how fortunate she was to feel heard from a young age, sharing a story from when she was 11 years old. She had written letters about a sexist commercial she saw, which led to the commercial being changed. This experience, she said, demonstrated how a young person's voice can have a significant impact and helped her understand the importance of being heard.

In her current work with the Archewell Foundation and as a mother, Meghan emphasized the goal of ensuring that young girls feel their voices are valued. She also highlighted the importance of raising boys to listen to and respect the voices of young women, underscoring the broader mission of fostering mutual respect and empowerment.

Meghan Markle emphasized that the responsibility of empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard is not solely on women themselves. She highlighted the crucial role men play in this process, noting that their support is vital from a young age through adulthood. Meghan underscored the commitment of the Archewell Foundation to fostering a community where women's voices and ideas are genuinely valued and integrated into their programs.

Meghan Markle detailed two key initiatives from the Archewell Foundation:

1. The Parents Network: This program supports parents who have experienced profound grief and loss due to online harms. The focus is on providing these parents with a platform to be heard and supported through their difficult experiences.

2. The Welcome Project: This initiative aids displaced women by offering them opportunities and projects that mirror the community support found in the Hub Community Kitchen in the UK. The goal is to create environments where women and communities can come together, support each other, and work collaboratively.

In her speech, Meghan Markle described how activities like cooking or crafting together also contribute to mental health, emotional healing, and mutual support through initiatives like microfinance and business partnerships. She emphasized the importance of community and how supporting each other as women can manifest in various aspects of life.

When asked about her sources of inspiration, Meghan mentioned that she draws motivation from the strong women around her, including her mother, highlighting the significant impact of these role models on her perspective and work.

Meghan Markle reflected on the complexities of life and the importance of approaching challenges with love, kindness, and generosity rather than confrontation. She noted her conversations with the Colombian vice president about finding inspiration and the power of words. Meghan emphasized that her approach focuses on creating positive change by addressing issues with empathy and support.

She highlighted the multitasking and problem-solving nature often associated with women, suggesting that creating comfortable and supportive environments for women involves addressing multiple facets of their needs and experiences.

Meghan Markle stressed the importance of creating political and business spaces where women's voices are heard and where they can hold leadership positions. She pointed out that having role models and examples, like the vice president, is crucial for representation. Meghan emphasized that seeing people who resemble you or come from a similar background helps build confidence and a sense of possibility, encouraging individuals to recognize their own worth and potential for future success.

Meghan Markle highlighted the importance of believing in the possibility of change and impact, driven by supportive conditions and role models. She drew inspiration from both the small, everyday actions and the larger community efforts where women make a difference. Meghan acknowledged the discomfort and isolation that come with silence and the lack of recognition, underscoring the motivation she finds in using her voice and encouraging others to do the same.

Meghan Markle emphasized the role-modeling she aims to provide as a mother, particularly in encouraging her daughter Lilibet to use her voice. Meghan expressed pride in Lilibet’s early self-expression and stressed that fostering such conditions can inspire a broader shift, enabling more young girls and women to feel empowered to be heard.

In her final remarks, Meghan highlighted the importance of continuing to inspire and create change through the initiatives of the Archewell Foundation. She underscored that these efforts are integral to fostering positive transformation and supporting communities in meaningful ways.

In her final remarks, Meghan Markle reflected on the importance of modeling behavior and maintaining a positive, joyful approach to life. She emphasized that gratitude should encompass all aspects of life, including challenges and joyful moments. Meghan described her focus on this chapter of her life as one of joy and intentionality, highlighting how being authentic and surrounded by supportive communities, like the one she experienced in Colombia, can be liberating.

She expressed that this spirit of joy and authenticity is integral to her and Prince Harry’s work through the Archewell Foundation. Meghan’s intention is to inspire others to embrace this approach, connecting with each other and living freely while continuing to contribute meaningfully to their causes.