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While the nation slept, the Duchess of Sussex delivered a major speech on feminism after landing in New Zealand for the final leg of the couple’s royal tour.
Following a third outfit change of the day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex headed to Government House for an evening reception hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The royal couple attended an evening reception at Government House in New Zealand. Getty Images
The event was held to celebrate 125 years since New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give women the right to vote and to mark the occasion, Meghan gave a rare speech on feminism.
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The 37-year-old took to the stage and announced, “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.”
She continued: “Because yes, women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness.”
The Duchess of Sussex delivered the speech beneath a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Getty Images
The former actress later went on to thank New Zealand for championing women’s rights 125 years ago before adding: “Women’s suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people, including those 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.”
The royal newlyweds met Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern at Government House. Getty Images
To conclude the poignant speech, the Duchess said: “In the words of your suffragette Kate Sheppard: ‘All that separates, whether of race, class, creed, or sex, is inhuman, and must be overcome’.”
For the couple’s first evening engagement in New Zealand, the royal wore a chic shoulder-grazing dress by sustainable designer Gabriela Hearst with a traditional Maori necklace to finish.
Though it’s not the first time the Duchess has looked to the New York-based label for sartorial assistance. The mother-to-be carried the brand’s £1,695 Demi satin tote on her debut trip to the couple’s namesake county of Sussex last month.
For those squirming at the price tag, the royal also wore one of her most affordable looks to date earlier today. The Duchess surprised fans, as she touched down in New Zealand wearing a £38 maternity dress by ASOS Design with a plaid Karen Walker coat to finish.
The mother-to-be carried the brand’s £1,695 Demi satin tote on her debut trip to Sussex. Getty Images, Chris Jackson
