LONDON -- Meghan Markle said Wednesday that she hopes to "hit the ground running" as a member of the British royal family and use her position to highlight the empowerment of women.
Markle, who is due to marry Prince Harry in May, attended an event in London alongside Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.
The first joint engagement by the two couples celebrated the work of the , which supports charities including the and the for injured troops.
Markle said during a question-and-answer session that she was still new to her role but "it's very important to want to hit the ground running."
The 36-year-old American actress said that with the Me Too and Time's Up campaigns against sexual harassment, "there is no better time than to really continue to shine a light on women feeling empowered and people really helping to support them."
Harry, 33, said he and Markle were "pretty tied up with planning a wedding at the moment," but looked forward to working with William and Kate on charitable projects.
"I think it's really good we've got four different personalities, we've all got that same passion to want to make a difference, but different opinions," he said.
He said "working as family does have its challenges ... but we're stuck together for the rest of our lives."
"We feel a tremendous responsibility to play our part in effecting societal change for the better” – Prince Harry sums up the Royal Foundation's ambition for change and the work that inspires him
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)
People who have benefited from The Royal Foundation's life-changing programmes explained how these have made a real and lasting difference.
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"The mental health of children and adults is one area where a long-term view will make all the difference to future generations.” - The Duchess of Cambridge on the achievements of
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TRH & Ms. Markle spoke to about the inspiration behind The Royal Foundation, the issues that are close to their hearts, and their ambitions for the future.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)
"When we work together, we are greater than the sum of our parts." – The Duke of Cambridge on the impact of The Royal Foundation and its ability to bring people together to tackle big issues.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)
Today, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will attend the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum, which is focused on 'Making a Difference Together'.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)