Meghan Marklejoined Prince Harry on Tuesday for one of his annual Christmas traditions.
The royal couple made a poignant contribution to a seasonal service at St. Luke’s Church in London in support of one of the prince’s favorite causes, which was set up in the name of a late close friend.
TheHenry van Straubenzee Memorial Fundhelps schools in Uganda, Africa, and was named for one of the prince’s school friends who died in a car accident. Both Prince Harry andPrince Williamare patrons of the charity.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock
Before Meghan made her reading she said she and Harry believed it was the perfect reading because “it sums up he spirit of what the Henry van Straubenzee Fund does to empower young children.”
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Harry used his address to the congregation to highlight the work the charity does for young girls and getting them into education.
“As my wife said many years ago when working on menstrual health and health education, this is not about periods but potential,” he said, referencingMeghan’s visit to India with World Vision in January 2017to highlight the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Harry, 34, was very close to Henry — they went to Ludgrove prep school together — whilePrince Williamcounts Henry’s older brother, Thomas, as one of his best friends. Thomas is a godfather to Princess Charlotte.
Harry and Meghan also went to the wedding of Thomas’ younger brother, Charlie van Straubenzee, to Daisy Jenks over the summer.
He went on to say Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund is one of the charities trying to make a difference with “hands-on” programs on the ground. They have built 945 bathrooms in schools especially for girls, he added.
The charity was established as a “memorial to Henry” a “very special friend of mine” who tragically died in 2002 and this is the tenth carol service and, he said. The money raised tonight is a “crucial part of their fundraising plan” of the charity.
He praised the van Straubenzee family for running the “truly amazing charity.” Thanking them, he added, “Mrs van you have created the most incredible legacy for your son.”
source: people.com
