Meghan and Harry accept anti-racism award at Robert F Kennedy Human Rights ceremony

Meghan Markle spoke of her battle with suicidal thoughts as she and Prince Harry accepted an award for their stance against racism.

Meghan Markle spoke of her battle with suicidal thoughts as she and Prince Harry accepted an award for their stance against racism.

The Duchess of Sussex, 41, and Harry, 37, were honoured with the Ripple of Hope accolade in New York on Tuesday night.

And at the glitzy gala, Meghan said she decided to speak about her mental health struggles during the couple’s infamous Oprah interview because “I don’t want anyone to feel alone”.

Meghan, wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress by Louis Vuitton complete with thigh-high slit, added that people often “don’t see a way out” of mental health issues and said many others felt like she did during lockdowns during the Covid pandemic.

Harry, who wore a blue suit, had earlier told attendees: “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 later draped a protective arm around his wife at the lavish dinner, where tables were sold for up to $1million, The Sun reported.

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Meghan donned a stunning white gown for the event. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP

The former actress beamed as she stood by her husband, Prince Harry. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP

Meghan also praised the late 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.”

The former actress, who paired her gown with a black clutch bag, long gold earrings and a slicked back low bun, added: “He also said those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

“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,” Harry continued.

“We understand this honour, not about the culmination of a life’s work, but instead and in many ways for us, a beginning.”

Meghan finished the sophisticated look with a sleek bun and soft smokey eye. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP

Elsewhere in the night the duke joked he thought he was taking his wife on a “date night”.

Speaking on stage, Harry said: “I’ll be honest with you, I just thought we were just going on a date night so I found it quite weird that we’re sharing the room with 1,500 people.

“We don’t get out much these days because our kids are so small and young so, this is completely unexpected.”

To laughter from the audience he added: “But it’s nice to share date night with all of you, so thank you for coming.”

Meghan added: “Thank you for bringing me on this very special date night.”

“You’re welcome,” Harry replied.

The couple arrived in the rain with Harry holding an umbrella over his wife’s head as they made their way into the event.

They then made their appearance in front of photographers with Meghan seen wearing a large blue ring, which appeared to be an emerald-cut aquamarine once owned by Princess Diana.

But the pair avoiding answering questions from assembled journalists as they posed for photos with Kerry Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s niece.

The couple arrived in New York hours earlier, flying in by private jet from their California home.

Their newest award honours “exemplary leaders” who have demonstrated “an unwavering commitment” to social change.

The star studded event was attended by celebrities including Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin.

Meghan and Harry pose with Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, who presented the couple with the honour. Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Asked what he admired about the couple, he said: “The way they deal with difficult circumstances in the press without too much difficulty.

“They’ve obviously chosen a different path. Good for them. They’re newly arrived in the States. I think it’s great they’ve agreed to support this cause which we have for years.”

Actor Alec Baldwin was also in attendance at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP

The couple were honoured by Kennedy at the annual bash, which is organised by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights foundation.

Harry and Meghan will join previous winners US President Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

U2 rocker Bono, Hillary Clinton and Desmond Tutu, who was highly influential in ending apartheid in South Africa, have also received the award.

It comes as Meghan and Harry are being widely mocked over inaccuracies in the bombshell recent trailer for their Netflix docu-series dropping tomorrow, in which Meghan is seen breaking down in tears in several shots.

In the first trailer, Meghan is seen wiping her eyes as a concerned Prince Harry looks on. Picture: Netflix

Last year, Meghan accused an unnamed royal of raising “concerns” about the “skin colour” of her then-unborn son Archie in her and Harry’s headline-grabbing Oprah Winfrey interview.

She declined to reveal the identity of the racist royal as it would be too “damaging” for them.

Ahead of accepting the award, a second trailer for their upcoming Netflix series released yesterday included comments from US businessman Christopher Bouzy, who claimed they had suffered “hatred” and racism while in the UK.

“It’s about hatred. It’s about race,” he told viewers.

The second trailer for the Netflix doco was released yesterday, featuring US businessman Christopher Bouzy.

His claims were screened moments after the couple’s lawyer, Jenny Afia, insisted there was “a war against Meghan to suit other people’s agendas”.

The latest salvo against the royals is likely to fuel demands for Meghan and Harry to be stripped of their royal titles.

The King and Queen will both be out this week at prearranged engagements and vowed not to be distracted from the job, it is understood.

Insiders say the royals are finding the Netflix row “wearying” coming so soon after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the King taking on a new role.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission