NewsBite

Meghan Markle wears Australian designers for youth forum outing

Meghan Markle showed off Aussie designers as she met youth leaders, including Australian gay activist Jacob Thomas.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Picture: AP.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Picture: AP.

Jacob Thomas, one of Australia’s prominent leaders in sexual orientation and gender identity, took the opportunity to speak to the woman of the moment, Meghan Markle, about LBGTI rights in London overnight.

Meghan Markle wore a $699 Camilla and Marc blazer over her shoulders and accessorised with an $312 Oroton bag. Picture: Getty Images.
Meghan Markle wore a $699 Camilla and Marc blazer over her shoulders and accessorised with an $312 Oroton bag. Picture: Getty Images.

Ms Markle was attending the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London — sporting items from two of Australia’s fashion designers — alongside her husband-to-be and newly appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Prince Harry, and spoke to Mr Thomas as well as other youth leaders.

Mr Thomas was at the event, having won a Queen’s Young Leader award for reducing the rate of suicide among LBGTI community in Australia through Monash University.

Prince Harry and Ms Markle spoke to Mr Thomas and promised that gay rights would feature in their public work.

”Miss Markle said, and these were her exact words, that this is a basic human rights issue, not one about sexuality,’’ Mr Thomas said.

“It’s not just about love and sexuality. It’s also about being here, supporting and recognising us for the benefit of all.

“Prince Harry said that what was so amazing was that ten or so years ago we wouldn’t have been having this conversation and how incredible it was that we now were.’’

Mr Thomas said the prince also commented on his grey leopard-print coat.

“He loved my coat and I told him that he couldn’t have it. He said not to worry, he had three similar ones at home,” Mr Thomas said.

Gay rights activist Jacob Thomas.
Gay rights activist Jacob Thomas.

The issue of gay rights among Commonwealth countries was highlighted when the gay British diver Tom Daley spoke out at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast calling for acceptance among the 31 Commonwealth nations that do not recognise gay rights.

Earlier in the week Prince Harry spoke how Ms Meghan was hugely excited about joining him in his Commonwealth duties.

At the forum Ms Markle wore a $699 Camilla and Marc blazer over her shoulder and accessorised with an $312 Oroton bag, which is sure to boost sales of the Australian designed products. The pinstripe dress, costing $2600 was by American designer, Altuzarra and she wore high heeled shoes by Tamara Mellon. Prince Harry wore a grey jacket.

Jacquelin Magnay
Jacquelin MagnayEurope Correspondent

Jacquelin Magnay is the Europe Correspondent for The Australian, based in London and covering all manner of big stories across political, business, Royals and security issues. She is a George Munster and Walkley Award winning journalist with senior media roles in Australian and British newspapers. Before joining The Australian in 2013 she was the UK Telegraph’s Olympics Editor.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/meghan-markle-wears-australian-designers-for-youth-forum-outing/news-story/f1ccf813d9a1b6deb019553660b13947