Meghan attends discussion on how universities can address human trafficking

The Duchess of Sussex has joined university leaders and academics to explore how higher education can address human trafficking, modern slavery and gender equality.

Meghan went to a meeting of The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) at King’s College London, but her attendance was not publicised beforehand.

Laura Hammond, professor of development studies at SOAS University London, tweeted: “We had an excellent discussion about how research can tackle the problems of slavery and human trafficking. Thanks to HRH Duchess of Sussex for joining us!”

The ACU said the event was an opportunity to explore how higher education can help build a better world, with discussions on the role of universities in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery, gender equality and inclusion, peace and reconciliation, and climate change and resilience.

The organisation said pregnant Meghan took part in discussions.

She was pictured seated at a round table meeting on Wednesday, listening as she made notes in a notebook.

The event follows her speech to students at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji in October.

Meghan spoke at the time of her struggle to finance her higher education and her “personal feeling of pride and excitement” when she studied for her degree.

She described the education of women and girls in developing countries as “vital”, and called higher education’s impact “incredible, impactful and pivotal”.