Meghan Markle was visibly moved as she received an award at a glamorous New York event, with Prince Harry looking on as an “unbelievably proud” observer, according to attendees.
The 2023 Women of Vision Award was bestowed upon the Duchess of Sussex by her friend Gloria Steinem at the Ms Foundation gathering last evening.
For the occasion, Meghan chose to wear a form-fitting gold ensemble and was accompanied by Harry and her mother, Doria Ragland.
At New York City’s Ziegfeld Ballroom, attendees observed Meghan “became emotional” during the award presentation.
She delivered a speech that was perceived as “authentic”, discussing topics close to her heart while accepting the award from Steinem, a renowned feminist, who was also present on stage.
Guest Paul Didonato commented, “Meghan was exceptionally gracious and impressively articulate. She was simply wonderful.”
“She did become emotional. Observing her on stage with Gloria Steinem felt like a moment bridging generations.”
In a video snippet from the occasion shared by Emily Burack, a writer for Town and Country, Meghan was heard advising her audience: “You can be the visionary of your own life.”
She continued: “You can blaze a trail where what you practice in your daily acts of service, kindness, advocacy, grace, and fairness, become the very principles acknowledged by the next generation of women, both young and mature.”
“They will also opt for this moment to join the movement, and actualize our vision for a fair world,” Megan stated.
Another attendee noted that both Harry and Meghan’s mother “looked unbelievably proud”.
Speaking later, Steinem described the evening as: “Extremely touching, historic, and humorous. It was a one-of-a-kind night.”
This event marks her first public appearance since she was absent from King Charles III’s coronation on May 6, with Harry attending the celebration alone.
Meghan made her entrance last night alongside Prince Harry and her mother Doria, arriving via a Hertz car rental outlet.
Harry was spotted in a dark suit, while Meghan stunned in a £1,481 (THB 63,100) gold Johanna Ortiz dress, coordinating metallic Tom Ford heels, and carrying an £880 (THB 37,500) purse.
She further enhanced her outfit with multiple diamond bracelets and a Cartier piece priced around £5,890 (THB 251,100).
Her mother chose a black ensemble and wore her hair in a stylish up-do.
The three of them looked delighted as they posed for photographs on the event’s black carpet.
The 41-year-old is being honoured for her efforts in advocating for women’s rights.
The annual gala of the Ms Foundation is part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the organization.
Steinem, a legendary feminist and friend of Meghan’s, handed the award to the duchess for “her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls.”
Olivia Julianna, an abortion rights activist, is also expected to be honoured, alongside Wanda Irving, the co-founder of maternal health charity Dr Shalon’s Maternal Action Project.
Kimberly Inez McGuire, the executive director of gender equality charity URGE, is another influential woman being recognized for her inspiring work.
Teresa C. Younger, Ms Foundation’s president and CEO, acknowledged these influential women in a statement, celebrating them for “their many accomplishments and tireless work on behalf of gender and racial equity across the country and the world.”
The Brooklyn-based organization, Ms Foundation, seeks to highlight the challenges faced by women.
Attendees of the esteemed gala paid around £1,200 (THB 51,160) per ticket, and a table was available for £12,000 (THB 511,600), with funds raised supporting the ongoing success of the foundation in assisting disadvantaged women.
Steinem and Meghan became well-known friends after bonding when the duchess stepped away from her royal duties in 2020.
