Even though Meghan Markle is now a member of the royal family, that doesn't mean her life was always easy. She may be well-off now and set for life, but before she became a lead actor on Suits, Meghan struggled financially to make it through school.
While giving her first royal tour speech at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, Meghan was very open about her past, admitting there were a lot of challenges to get where she is today. The mom-to-be graduated from Northwestern University, where she double-majored in theater and international relations, but it wasn't without help from financial aid.
"As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university," Meghan said in the speech. "From the moment you receive your acceptance letter to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni to the moment that you receive your diploma, the journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one."
"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," she admitted.
"It was through scholarships, financial aid programs 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," Meghan continued.
"Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive," Meghan expressed. "And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital. When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but for all of those around them."
"And while progress has been made in many areas across the Commonwealth, there is always scope to offer more opportunities to the next generation of young adults, and specifically to young women," she continued.
"My husband Harry and I wish you all the very best of luck as you continue your studies and your work. Your efforts now will help to make a positive future for each of you and your communities at large," Meghan concluded.
During her speech, Meghan also announced that new grants will be given at the school to support female staff members. While on the podium, Meghan was the picture of grace, demonstrating just how seamlessly she's inserted herself into the royal family.
"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." "” The Duchess of Sussex at @UniSouthPacific #RoyalVisitFiji pic.twitter.com/ZWXxiBNcEY
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 24, 2018
It's not the first time Meghan has spoken about her financial struggles in the past. She once gave an interview saying that her car was so beat up, she would sometimes have to climb through the trunk to get in.
"The clicker wouldn't open the front doors and I couldn't afford to fix this car and this was how I got from one audition to the other," Meghan admitted. "So what I would start to do is literally go to these auditions, park at the back of the parking lot and I would open my trunk ... and crawl into the back of my car to the front seat to drive off to my next audition."
So while we may all see Meghan as a princess with a life of luxury now, we ought to remember that she was not born into this, and that she worked her way up the ranks through effort and commitment.
