'I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university.'
Meghan Markle used her first speech on tour to address girls' education and make a touching statement about empowering women.
The Duchess of Sussex is currently in Fiji with her husband, Prince Harry, and the couple has already travelled through Australia. All eyes have been on the pair after the news broke that Meghan is expecting their first child, with some speculating that they'll welcome a little girl in Spring.
While she has made headlines thanks to her impeccable royal tour style, Meghan is using her platform to talk about some very important issues.
Talking to students at the University of the South Pacific, she addressed the importance of access to education for young people, and opened up about her own experiences at university.
'As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university,' Meghan said.
'From the moment you receive your acceptance letter to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni to the moment that you receive your diploma, the journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one.
'I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world, myself included.'
She continued: 'It was through scholarships, financial aid programs and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition, that I was able to attend university. And, without question, it was worth every effort.'
Meghan addressed the importance of girls' education throughout the world, telling the audience: 'Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.'
Meghan has always been an advocate for women's rights. Before meeting Harry, she was an 'Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership' for United Nations Women, and no doubt will continue to work closely with women's charities as a royal ambassador.
