There’s no denying Duchess Meghan has a presence that influences the masses.
But a rare new video of the royal from before she married Prince Harry proves the feat was always written in the stars.
Amazing never-before-seen footage, released by ITV in April, reveals the royal like we’ve never seen her before as she visited India’s Mumbai to work with World Vision.
In the video, Duchess Meghan is seen planting flowers and painting signs with children she met at a school which had recently opened new facilities.
She also received a beautiful traditional tilaka, and is showered in flower petals by a young local girl – as seen in the stunning video in the player at the top.
Meghan tells the camera: “What we found is that the enrolment at this school went up three times once the latrines were built so that girls had access to clean hygiene and bathroom facilities while they’re at school.”
Known as a fierce advocate for women’s education and passionate humanitarian, the trip would have been a poignant one for the royal.
Meghan is seen experiencing beautiful elements of Indian culture in the footage. (Image: ITV)
(Credit: ITV)In another scene in the footage, Meghan wears a stunning sari as she speaks to women in the village.
It’s clear the trip had a big impact on the now-royal, who wrote a stirring article for Time Magazine when she returned, voicing her concerns about a lack of proper sanitation and calling it a “direct barrier” for girls education.
The trip also saw Meghan meet with the Myna Mahila Foundation, which works with females to provide basic sanitary products and breaks taboo’s about menstrual hygiene.
This organisation was one of seven nominated by Meghan and Harry to receive donations following their wedding last year.
Watch the amazing footage of Meghan in India below. Story continues after video…
The trip occurred in January 2017 when Meghan was working as a World Vision Global Ambassador and less than a year after the then Suits actress had struck up a romance with Prince Harry – proving that her work as an influential royal started long before her nuptials in May 2018.
At the time, reports that Meghan and Harry were courting had only just emerged – thrusting Meghan into the spotlight very quickly.
The Daily Mail also reported that the trip had almost been cancelled due to security concerns.
The trip went ahead regardless, although the fact that it wasn’t publicly broadcast at the time speaks volumes about the level of scrutiny the royals were under.
Now, as Meghan prepares to become a mother for the first time with husband Prince Harry, it seems the perfect time to see her in this context.
The trip almost didn’t go ahead for security reasons. (Image: ITV)
The trip was incredibly meaningful for Meghan. (Image: ITV)
Meghan’s focus on women and education has been clear from the get-go.
In October 2018, the newly-minted royal presented a stirring speech on female education while visiting a Fijian university.
Meghan spoke to the audience about her “incredible, impactful and pivotal” journey of higher education.
“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. It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition – that I was able to attend university,” she said.
The inspiring Duchess also spoke about how vital education is for girls in developing countries.
“Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development,” she explained.
“Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.”
Watch the amazing video below:
