Harry and Meghan give speech to UN days before palace tell-all book published

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Prince Harry spoke about climate change and poverty at a UN meeting in New York today (18 July), just days before a shocking new book is set to be published.

The royal was the keynote speaker at the meeting, which marked Nelson Mandela International Day, and the prince honoured the late South African leader's legacy and memory.

Speaking in front of important world leaders including assembly president Abdulla Shahid, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and New York Mayor Eric Adams and his wife Meghan Markle, Harry's rousing speech touched on many of the issues Mandela fought to bring an end to including racial inequality.

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The prince said: "It is an honour to join you all. Having spent time with many of Mandela's family over the years I speak to you today with humility.

"For me, there's one photo of Mandela that stands out. On my wall and in my heart every day there is an image of Mandela and my mother meeting in Cape Town in 1997.

When I first looked at the photo straight away what jumped out was the joy on my mother's face, the playfulness, the cheekiness even.

"The pure delight to be in the communion of another soul so committed to helping humanity."

The Prince also took aim at climate change and reference the historic temperatures affecting the UK today.

He said: "As we sit here today our world is on fire again.

"This crisis will only get worse unless our leaders lead."

This comes just days before a new tell-all palace book is expected to land on shop shelves, with many expecting it to send shock waves through the palace.

Royal biographer Tom Bower’s latest book Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors is expected to be chock full of explosive revelations.

In an early excerpt released ahead of the launch, Bower alleged that the Queen said 'thank goodness Meghan isn't coming' to Philip's funeral, and that Meghan's 'abrasive' behaviour led her to 'throw a cup of tea into the air'.

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It is feared the new tell-all book could have consequences for the royals, with some suggesting that the Sussexes' relationship with the Firm may be put under further strain.

Harry attended the UN meeting alongside wife Meghan, who has been the subject of endless speculation around her behaviour and bullying claims, and who according to published excerpts, may not come across well in the shocking book.

The programme for the day was officially announced on Friday (15 July) by General Assembly spokesperson Paulina Kubiak.

The General Assembly established Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, the late leader's birthday, to honour him, celebrate his life and award the UN Nelson Mandela Prize, which was awarded to Mrs Marianna Marianna V. Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr Morissanda Kouyaté of Guinea.

This prize is handed out every five years and is given to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity. This year honours those intended to receive the prize in 2020.

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  • Prince Harry
  • Meghan Markle

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