Meghan Markle given huge new honour as she is recognised for her influence and power
MEGHAN MARKLE has been named as one of the most powerful black people in the UK, joining a host of other famous faces.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Windsor Castle
The Powerlist 2020 has revealed 100 people with African, African-Caribbean and African-American heritage who are considered influential. Other people include Idris Elba, Anthony Joshua, Dina Asher-Smith and Naomie Harris. Ismail Ahmed, who is in charge of money transfer firm WorldRemit, has topped the list.
His firm helps migrants send money back to their friend and families.
He said: “It is a real privilege and honour to win this award.
“When I was growing up in Somaliland, I saw how money sent back home by migrants could transform the lives of individuals and entire communities.
“When I came to London to study and started to send money back home, I was frustrated by the inconvenience and cost of transferring money through traditional agents.”
The list was judged by a panel chaired by retired High Court judge, Dame Linda Dobbs.
The Powerlist 2020, which is in its 13th year, aims to celebrate those at the top of a wide range of industries.
This includes business, science, technology and entertainment.
Meghan was named in the public, third (non-profit) sector and education group, but is not listed in the top 10.
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The Duchess has opened up about her mixed heritage in the past.
Her mother Doria Ragland, a yoga instructor and social worker, got divorced from Meghan’s father Thomas divorced when she was six.
Doria is African-American, while Meghan’s father is Dutch-Irish.
Their difference in skin tone resulted in the family receiving racial abuse when she was younger.
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In an article for Elle magazine, Meghan wrote: “Being biracial paints a blurred line that is equal parts staggering and illuminating.
“While my mixed heritage may have created a grey area surrounding my self-identification, keeping me with a foot on both sides of the fence, I have come to embrace that.
“To say who I am, to share where I’m from, to voice my pride in being a strong, confident mixed-race woman.”
Meghan has had a busy day as she was joined by her husband Prince Harry at Windsor Castle for a roundtable discussion on gender equality.
The pair joined The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and One Young World to look at how young leaders are driving meaningful change for empowering women.
At the head of the table Meghan said: “Thank you for letting him crash the party.”
Their appearance comes after the couple both spoke candidly about their personal struggles during an ITV documentary last Sunday.