Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised a teenager with a Zoom mentoring session and offered advice on ‘how to overcome challenges’.
The Duke, 36, and the Duchess of Sussex, 39, spoke to the unnamed girl through the I Have A Dream Foundation and jobs organization LA Works.
The teenager was reportedly ‘excited’ to have the opportunity to speak to them, while LA Works Executive Director Deborah Brutchey gushed over the couple’s couple’s ‘compassion, humility and wisdom’.
‘It was really significant for [the teen] because they saw her potential in a few short minutes, which actually really undid some damage that had been previously caused by a former teacher’s doubt,’ Brutchey told PEOPLE.
‘It was just amazing how they were able to connect and how their compassion, in just a short conversation, really made an impact and is going to forever inspire her.’
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry surprised a teenager with a Zoom mentoring session after seeing her ‘potential in a few short minutes,’ according to LA Works Executive Director Deborah Brutchey. Pictured, surprise appearance at the #SpotifyStreamOn event last month
The act of kindness was organized by LA Works and the I Have a Dream Foundation, which aims to ensure children have the possibility to achieve higher education (pictured)
The call was organized by LA Works and the I Have a Dream Foundation, which aims to ensure children have the possibility to achieve higher education.
And the royal fan was left ‘inspired’ and ‘moved’ following the surprise phone call.
‘She had this moment of surprise and excitement when she got on the phone with the Duke and Duchess,’ Brutchey explained. ‘She knew of them, she knew a lot – she had been following Meghan’s story quite a bit, so she was very excited that she had the opportunity to speak with them.’
The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex also went on to give the royal fan some words of wisdom on how to overcome day-to-day challenges.
Deborah added: ‘The conversation that they had was really about how do you overcome challenges in your life? And how do you stay true to your values? Things that are so relatable to young girls but also so public in what the Duke and Duchess have gone through.’
The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex also went on to give the royal fan some words of wisdom on how to overcome day-to-day challenges. Pictured, during their interview with Oprah Winfrey which was broadcast in the US on March 7
After noticing the teen had sunflowers in her room, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly sent her a bouquet, along with an encouraging note.
L.A. Works helps to connect volunteers in California with varied issues, ranging from animal welfare to homelessness.
And it isn’t the first time the royal has coached a young interviewee – as she mentored a young student via video link in her role as Smart Works patron, telling her to be a beacon of hope and positivity.’
The Duchess of Sussex spoke with the British youngster virtually from her home in Los Angeles on 27 March 2020 to offer words of advice and encouragement ahead of a job interview.
Sharing the video clip online this afternoon, the charity shared a message from the Duchess, who called it ‘an honour’ to meet women through Smart Works
In a video clip released on the charity’s Instagram page, the Duchess of Sussex, 38, can be seen chatting virtually to an unnamed woman who was applying for an internship after completing her studies in psychology
She praised the youngster for her positive attitude, saying ‘there’s so much going on in the world right now’ but she was being a ‘beacon of hope and all the positivity.’
In a clip shared from their call, Meghan said: ‘You seem incredibly confident and prepared. Everyone here is so excited, so when I was reading what your interests were – you have a big focus in mental health right? I think that’s excellent.’
She added: ‘I think you’re going to be fantastic, it’s just so exciting. I just wanted to call in and tell you best of luck and my fingers are crossed for you.’
‘There’s so much going on in the world right now, so to be such a beacon of hope and focusing on getting through it and all the positivity…I just want to send your way, to make sure you can get on the other side of this too.’
When asked about her patronage Meghan said, ‘It’s a pleasure to support them, you see how great they do and how many people they help and that’s what it’s all about.
‘I’ve been really proud to be able to be their patron, but it’s an easy yes when you have such incredible women helping you.’
After her session with the Duchess, the youngster said: ‘I just wanted to say a big “thank you” to you, the Duchess and the whole team at Smart Works for making this possible for women all around the UK, because to see such work is truly inspiring and uplifting.
‘And thank you for the super useful interview tips – I will be using them for years to come!’