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Prince Harry Gives Meghan Markle a Shout Out in Forum Speech, Honors Queen Elizabeth

By Rachel McRady‍ 1:59 AM PDT, April 16, 2018

Prince Harry has had a busy Monday!

The 33-year-old royal was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and shortly after attended the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London, England.

Harry wore a black suit and olive green tie as he greeted the youth representatives in attendance. He was joined by British Prime Minister, Theresa May, and had a round table discussion with the youth leaders, calling the group “absolutely crucial” and expressing his excitement for being in involved with the initiative.

Later, he gave a speech of his own to the young crowd.

“I’m particularly honored to be speaking to a room of inspiring young leaders in my first speech as the Queen’s Commonwealth Ambassador,” he began, before referencing a speech from at 21-year-old Queen Elizabeth before she ever took the crown. “She said that whether her life be long or short, it will be dedicated to the people of The Commonwealth. All of us here today can be grateful that it is a long life the Queen is still enjoying.”

Harry then spoke about the importance of young people and the dedication of his family to making sure their voices were heard. He added, “I am also incredibly grateful that the woman I am about to marry, Meghan, will be joining me in this work, of which she too is hugely excited to take part in. “

The comment earned a cheer from the crowd, who seemed excited to see more of Harry’s fiancée, Meghan Markle.

The event marks the start of the week-long Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will include events attended by Prince William and Meghan. In fact, later in the day on Monday, William will be attending a Welcome to the UK reception alongside May.

His wife, Kate Middleton, will not be attending the events as she’s currently on maternity leave, awaiting the arrival of the couple’s third child.

The busy week comes one month before the royal wedding of Harry and Meghan, which is set to take place in Windsor, England, on May 19. Keep up with all of ET's coverage of the nuptials right here!