The Address

Markle has added her voice to the growing chorus in a heartfelt video message to the graduating class of her former high school, Immaculate Heart High in Los Angeles.

Comparing Floyd's death to those of other African Americans who died in police custody, Markle says:

"As we've all seen over the last week what is happening in our country and in our state and in our home town of L.A. has been absolutely devastating. And I wasn't sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing and I was really nervous that I wouldn't or it would get picked apart, and I realized the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing, because George Floyd's life mattered and Breonna Taylor's life mattered and Philando Castile's life mattered and Tamir Rice's life mattered. And so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know."

She added that a former teacher's perspective heavily impacted her:

"One of my teachers, Ms. Pollia, said to me ... 'Always remember to put other's needs above your own fears.' And that has stuck with me throughout my entire life and I have thought about it more in the last week than ever before."

Speaking Out On Her Own Experiences 

Markle also spoke about her own experience living through the L.A. riots when she was in middle school:

"I was 11 or 12 years old when I was just about to start Immaculate Heart Middle School in the fall, and it was the L.A. riots, which was also triggered by a senseless act of racism. And I remember the curfew and I remember rushing back home, and on that drive home, seeing ash fall from the sky, and smelling the smoke and seeing the smoke billow out of buildings. And seeing people run out of buildings carrying bags and looting. And I remember seeing men in the back of a van just holding guns and rifles. And I remember pulling up to the house and seeing the tree, that had always been there, completely charred. And those memories don't go away."

Words Of Encouragement To The Graduating Class 

Meghan Markle has expressed outrage at the death of #GeorgeFloyd and paid tribute to victims of police violence in the USA. #BlackLivesMatter

Video: Courtesy of Meghan, the Duchesse of Sussex pic.twitter.com/REGXKQ11qu

— DW Culture (@dw_culture) June 4, 2020

Markle ended her address with:

"I know you know that Black Lives Matter. So I am already excited for what you are going to do in the world. You are equipped, you are ready, we need you, and you are prepared. I am so proud to call each of you a fellow alumni. And I am so eager to see what you're going to do. Please know that I am cheering you on, all along the way. I am exceptionally proud of you."