UPDATED: The Duchess Attends ACU Education Event at King"s College London

The Duchess of Sussex joined university leaders, academics and international scholarship students for an event hosted by the Association of Commonwealth Universities at King"s College London to discuss higher education opportunities for young people all over the world. Discussion focused on the role of universities in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery, gender equality and inclusion, peace and reconciliation, and climate change and resilience.

The ACU shared a photo of the Duchess during the meeting taking notes.

The ACU reported attendees included:

• Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change at the London School of Economics and Political Science


• Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester


• Professor Paul Boyle, Vice Chair of the ACU Council and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester


• Professor Edward Byrne, Principal of King"s College London; Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham


• Dr Dame Nicola Brewer, Vice-Provost (International) of University College London


• Professor Funmi Olonisakin, Vice-Principal (International) of King"s College London


• Professor Shaun Ewen, Chair of the ACU Peace and Reconciliation Network and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) of the University of Melbourne

The Association of Commonwealth Universities said: "HRH the Duchess of Sussex attended the event and took part in discussions, following her first official speech to students at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji in October 2018." During the speech in Fiji, Meghan announced two new grants awarded to the University, allowing them run workshops to empower female staff and to support students during their education, provided by the Association of Commonwealth Universities. 

During the speech in Fiji, Meghan said: "I am 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. And, without question, it was worth every effort. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital."

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Following the meeting experts and groups shared tweets.

The ACU said they were "honoured" to be joined by Meghan.

Professor Laura Hammond noted the group had an "excellent" discussion.

Established in 1913, the Association of Commonwealth Universities is the world’s first international university network, and remains the only accredited organisation representing higher education across the Commonwealth. Founded to lead ‘common action in matters of common interest’, the ACU is governed by its member institutions through an elected council. A UK-registered charity, it received a royal charter in 1963 and, in 1986, Her Majesty the Queen became its patron. I suspect at some point in the not too distant future we"ll see this patronage passed on to Meghan. Education is incredibly important to her and will form a key part of her future work.

The Duchess wore a cocoon coat, black short-sleeve sweater and skirt for the meeting. 

Meghan"s coat is the $350 Artizia Wilfred Cocoon Coat in "petale" (with many thanks to the Meghan"s Mirror team).

The talented Elizabeth from Meghan"s Fashion identified the top as the Hugo Boss Filonka Short-Sleeve Sweater. It"s on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue. 

It"s fascinating to get a glimpse into Meghan"s private work and the research she"s undertaking ahead of the announcement of her patronages and future projects. It"s also interesting to see her work with the ACU  in Fiji and now London. The Commonwealth encompasses a plethora of diverse nations. I expect it"s important to Meghan to focus on work that can impact across member nations in addition to the UK. 

Source: http://madaboutmeghan.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-duchess-attends-acu-education-event.html