Meghan, Duchess of Sussex shared her passion for feminism during a rousing speech in New Zealand on the final stop of her and Prince Harry’s Royal Tour Down Under.
Having arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for the final leg of their first royal tour together, the Royal couple attended a reception held at Government House in Wellington.
Having already given two unforgettable speeches on the royal tour – one at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, and the other at the Invictus Games in Sydney – the Duchess delivered a third, in honour of New Zealand’s 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
“We are proud to be able to join you tonight in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in your country,” she began her speech while standing in front of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. She opened her speech with a formal Maori greeting, and also accessorised her black Gabriela Hearst dress with a necklace with a traditional Maori design.
Reflecting on New Zealand being the first country to give women the vote, the Duchess told dignitaries that, “Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote, but about what that represents – the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future.”
“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,” she said. “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,” the Duchess continued.
“Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community, the involvement and voice that allows you to be a part of the very world that you are a part of.”
In recognition of the country’s achievement, The Duchess of Sussex concluded by saying “Bravo New Zealand”.
