Meghan powerful in red for first public speech in two years: 'It's nice to be back'
Watch: Meghan speaks of need to belong as she addresses youth summit on UK visit
Meghan and Harry returned to the UK this week for the couple’s first public engagement this side of the pond since they attended the Service of Thanksgiving in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in the UK on Saturday for a week of events and visits across Europe, starting with attending One Young World summit in Manchester on Monday evening.
Meghan, 41, delivered a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony for the annual event, which brings together young leaders from over 190 countries.
The duchess chose an all-red ensemble for her first public UK speaking engagement since the couple left England and stepped back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family.
“It is very nice to be back in the UK,” she began her speech, before later using her platform to tell delegates: “You are the future...but you are also the present.”
Meghan wore a sleek silk blouse and co-ordinating wide-legged tailored trousers by Valentino for the event, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also met with a group of delegates “doing outstanding work on gender equality”, said One Young Summit.
Read more: Meghan Markle's new look: The duchess' sartorial evolution since stepping down as a senior royal
The duchess has been an ambassador for the One Young World since 2014, a global forum for young leaders that is close to the duchess's heart. The summit gathers 2,000 young leaders from 190 countries from different sectors to collaborate on projects that promote social impact.
The summit first launched in 2009 and focuses on key topics each year. Those for 2022 include conflict prevention, gender equality, oceans, ethical leadership and health.
The mother-of-two’s sleek monochrome power trouser suit fell over matching red suede heels with pointed toes by one of Meghan’s go-to brands, Aquazzura, and she wore her hair back in a low ponytail, to leave room for gold hoop earrings, and wore a natural make-up palette.
Read more: Why does the Duchess of Cambridge wear so much red?
Red has long been a part of the Royal Family’s fashion vernacular; from the Queen herself, to Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge, the vibrant shade has been a go-to for public occasions.
Wearing red can have a large amount of significance, colour psychologist Lee Chambers told Yahoo Life UK. As a colour, red is highly charged and very warm, while at the same time drawing the eye more than any other colour, with the exception of yellow.
“It gives an intense energy and promotes social behaviour, while giving an internal feeling of power, health and courage,” he adds.
The couple travelling without their children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, and have a private security detail throughout their short trip in Europe, whilst Prince Harry’s case against the Home Office’s decision to remove police protection is ongoing.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in Dusseldorf on Tuesday for an Invictus Games event, and return to the UK for the WellChild Awards in London on Thursday.