Meghan’s Royal Engagement With The ACU

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is one of the Royal Patronages of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and today, in her first official visit in her new role as their Royal Patron, she met with students and academics from across the ACU’s network.

Established in 1913, the ACU is the world’s first and oldest international university network, with more than 500 member institutions in over 50 countries, which is dedicated to building a better world through higher education.

It is the only accredited organisation representing higher education across the Commonwealth.

During the visit, held at City, University of London – one of the ACU’s 500 university members – The Duchess met students from the Commonwealth now studying in the UK, for whom access to university has transformed their lives.

By bringing universities, academics and students together from around the world, the ACU helps to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds and improve lives.

As a university graduate, Her Royal Highness is a strong advocate of accessible education for all, and as part of The Duke and Duchess’s visit to Fiji last year, Her Royal Highness announced new Gender Grants for ACU member universities in the Pacific to fund new learning initiatives aimed at empowering female university staff and promoting gender equality.

This year, 2019, also marks the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and the launch of the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, which build Commonwealth connections amongst students through education.

The Duchess looked incredible in her all-black ensemble, which featured a black pleated bespoke Clare Waight Keller dress for Givenchy and a black Givenchy coat (which she had previously worn on Remembrance Day last year) and her Manolo Blahnik Beige Suede Pumps

With her hair styled in a high ballerina bun, Meghan’s look was completed with a pair of Dean Davidson Signature Midi Knockout Stud Earrings