The Duchess of Sussex yesterday made a surprise appearance at a round table discussion with academics in London.
In the unannounced engagement, Meghan Markle, 37, met with university leaders, academics, and international scholarship students at King’s College London.
They discussed how higher education can have a role in “addressing human trafficking and modern slavery, gender equality and inclusion, peace and reconciliation, and climate change and resilience.”
Meghan’s attendance at the meeting was not publicised ahead of time, as is the case with the majority of royal engagements.
Instead, Laura Hammond, professor of development studies at SOAS University London, tweeted: “'We had an excellent discussion about how research can tackle the problems of slavery and human trafficking. Thanks to HRH Duchess of Sussex for joining us!”
The event followed Meghan’s first official speech to students at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji in October.
She spoke at the time of the impact of higher education as “incredible, impactful and pivotal.”
“Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive,” she said.
“And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.”
