Prince Harry and Meghan awarded for efforts to combat racism within the royal family
Tuesday night, as they received awards at the 2022 Ripple of Hope Awards, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spoke about tearing down “the mightiest barricades of injustice and resistance.”
According to the awards’ website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are among “exemplary leaders across government, business, advocacy, and entertainment who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social change and worked to protect and advance equity, justice, and human rights.” Other notable recipients include the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky; Bill Russell; Michael Polsky; Brian Moynihan; and Frank Baker.
Their award was presented by Kerry Kennedy, who lauded them for their efforts to combat racism within the royal family and disclosed that the RFK Foundation was providing the prize money.
Markle lauded Kerry’s dad, Robert F. Kennedy, saying, The enduring dream of RFK of a just and peaceful world is so much more than a simple hope. It’s a direct ask, a specific challenge, a call to action, a test of individual courage and collective spirit.
“And his appeal to humanity is as relevant today as it was in 1966 when he stood before the University of Cape Town, a place we’ve visited and hold close to our hearts. And he delivered a vision for the common good of society.”
Harry, age 38, elaborated, “Bobby Kennedy said, ‘Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.’”
“He also said those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” the 41-year-old actress continued in their prerecorded video message.
“And as we all face a complete and challenging time in the world, we choose the path of optimism of care for each other and our communities. We understand this honor, not about the culmination of a life’s work, but instead and in many ways for us, a beginning.” Harry stated further
The couple, who were hand-in-hand during the event, then revealed that they were partnering with the RFK Foundation to establish the Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Film for high school and college students.
Kerry listed the many reasons why the royal couple deserved to be honoured before presenting them with their award.
Kerry added, “Prince Harry and Meghan are doing that work. When the inferno destroyed the homes of the ethnically diverse community of Grenfell Tower which included many immigrants they showed up and have been steadfast in their support for survivors.”
At age 91, the late Queen Elizabeth was the first member of the royal family to visit the scene of the fire two days after it had occurred. While Harry went to visit victims and community leaders, she comforted victims alongside Prince William.
Markle, on the other hand, continues to keep in touch with victims even after the success of her charity cookbook to benefit them.
When George Floyd was killed, Kerry continued, “they leveraged their platform to support Black Lives Matter.”