Meghan speaks of identity as 'royal' and 'woman of colour' as she meets locals in Cape Town

The Duchess of Sussex today spoke for the first time of her identity as a "royal" as she described herself as visiting Africa as a "mother and woman of colour".

Meghan, 38, made the comments during an impassioned speech about women’s empowerment during an visit to Nyaga township, one of Cape Town's most dangerous places.

She told the crowd: “And just on one personal note may I just say that while I’m here with my husband as member of the royal family, I want you to know from me I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister.”

Meghan, who was given a standing ovation after her comments, also spoke out against domestic violence against women.

She said: "We are encouraged to hear your President take the next step towards preventing gender-based violence through education and necessary changes to reinforce the values of modern South Africa.

"I have to say I feel incredibly humble to be in the presence of all of you as you stand firm in your core values of respect, dignity and equality."

She went on: "I read a quote a few weeks ago and it resonated with me as I've been watching what's been happening here and your efforts. Maya Angelou, the legendary poet and civil right activist, once said: 'Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women'.

"Now I know it's not easy and I know it must feel insurmountable at times. But your commitment to what is right gives all of us hope. Especially your brothers and sisters here in your community who need you to continue to shine your light brightly.

"Your commitment is inspiring, it is energising, and it is extraordinary .

"You must keep going. You must know that what you're doing not only matters, it is vital because you are vital."

Earlier, her husband Harry had thanked the community for welcoming them to the township, where the couple arrived hand-in-hand.

He said: "It was incredibly important for my wife and I to begin our trip here in Nyanga with you so thank you for having us.

"As someone who has visited this amazing country many times, and as someone who regards Cape Town as a uniquely special place in Africa, I wanted to ensure that our first visit as a family, with my wife by my side, focused on the significant challenges facing millions of South Africans while acknowledging the hope that we feel so strongly here.

"We are so incredibly grateful to be able to listen and learn from you about the issues that define your daily lives in these communities.

"And that's what this is: a community. A community where men and women have a vital role to play."

He added: "Touching on what your president said last week, no man is born to cause harm to women this is learned behaviour and a cycle that needs to be broken.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were later seen smiling as they danced with locals.

Meghan was also pictured embracing a young child.

The couple kicked-off their tour of Africa after touching down at Cape Town international airport with baby son Archie earlier today.

As they got off the British Airways plane, Archie was pictured cradled in his mother’s arms, wearing a bobble hat to keep out the strong Cape Town wind.

After dropping off Archie at the High Commission where they are staying, the royal couple headed to the township.

The colourful scene on arrival included female dancers in traditional costume, musicians and ecstatic youngsters waving their national flag.

They travelled to the area a few miles out of the city centre to learn about the work the Justice Desk, a human rights organisation, is doing to support the development of Nyanga township children.

Nyanga is one of the oldest and largest black settlements in Cape Town that developed in the 1950s as a result of the migrant labour system.

The sprawling collection of homes has undergone redevelopment to make it safer and more accessible and it welcomes tourists who can experience the authentic “township vibe” as part of official tours.

But the area has a high rate of unemployment and violence is still an issue.

Security was high ahead of the visit, being staged in the grounds of a church, with the street blocked off to traffic by police cars and officers stopping people walking past.

The couple were due to visit a workshop that teaches children about their rights as well as providing self-defence classes and female empowerment training. The Duchess of Sussex was expected to speak about rising violence against women in South Africa.

While Meghan and Archie will spend the duration of the tour in South Africa, Harry will also visit Angola, Malawi and Botswana before being reunited with his family in Johannesburg. Towards the end of their visit they will be introduced to Nelson Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, and have an audience with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife Tshepo Motsepe.

Ahead of the royal arrival, a palace source said that the couple were “very much looking forward” to the trip, adding: “Africa holds a very special place in the duke’s heart and he’s looking forward to sharing South Africa with the duchess and their son.”

They added: “And obviously we have an extra special small passenger to make things a little more lively."

The couple were due to arrive in the country laden with gifts for South Africa’s children – hand-me-downs from the royal baby.

Prior to their arrival in the country, the source explained: "The Duke and Duchess were inundated with gifts for baby Archie from organisations and the general public.

"They were incredibly grateful, but one little baby can only wear so many clothes and he's growing fast.

"So the duchess decided to bring a number of his presents to hand on to South African children and families most in need.

"She'll take a selection of clothes, books and pens to the mothers2mothers charity which help families with HIV."

The charity's "mentor mothers" work in local communities and at understaffed health facilities to ensure women and their families get the support they need.

The organisation works in eight nations across Africa including Uganda, Malawi and South Africa.

The royals have a history of taking their children with them overseas for working visits on behalf of the British Government.

Prince George was only nine months when he joined his parents The Duke of Duchess of Cambridge for their first joint trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2014.

The future king was photographed getting on and off aircraft, as well as at two official engagements.

The Sussexes itinerary has been drawn up with the help of Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, focusing on the couple’s areas of interest including conservation, young people and women’s empowerment.

The varied schedule will also see them meet veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The British High Commissioner to South Africa Nigel Casey said: “Visits like this play an important part in celebrating, sustaining and renewing what is a dynamic, modern relationship between the UK and South Africa.”

He highlighted how the UK is a leading investor in South Africa and that around 430,000 Brits visit the country every year spending more than £500 million.

"It’s also an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some issues close to the hearts of the duke and duchess and of real importance to the South Africans,” he said.

“It will be a chance to underline the strength and continuity of our royal family’s ties to South Africa. And in particular to recall the warm and special relationship between her majesty the Queen and the late President Mandela.”

At the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the three Sussexes will visit South Africa before Harry continues on to Angola and Malawi.

He will travel to Angola on Friday in honour of his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, who campaigned for landmines to be outlawed during a 1997 visit to the country.

Three days later, he travels to Malawi to pay tribute to a British soldier killed by an elephant during anti-poaching operations, in a bid to promote efforts to protect endangered animals.

A post about the tour on the royal couple's official Instagram account said: "The duke is especially proud to continue the legacy left by his mother with her work in Angola as he joins Halo Trust again in an effort to rid the world of landmines."

While in the region, Harry is also set to visit Botswana on a working trip.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "The Duke of Sussex's love for Africa is well known; he first visited the continent at the age of 13 and more than two decades later, the people, culture, wildlife and resilient communities continue to inspire and motivate him every day."

Before the trip, the duke issued a statement saying: ”Our team has helped create a meaningful programme that we're so excited to share with you.

“On a personal note, I can't wait to introduce my wife and son to South Africa! We'll see all of you very soon."