Duchess Megan Markle just became the one thing that we have all been waiting for — relatable. Not many of us can identify with the royal culture, fancy outfits, and British monarchy, but we can relate to Meghan’s roots. The Duchess of Sussex candidly opened up about the importance of education and women empowerment during her first royal tour speech and we are so blown away.

Meghan, 37, and Prince Harry, 34, visited the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, where the couple observed a cultural performance on the effects of climate change and met students studying subjects from agriculture to women’s development. The address, which is a milestone in itself considering it was her first speech on a royal tour, was so raw and inspirational. Meghan spent most of her time reflecting on her own college years while stressing the importance of empowering women in education.

“As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university,” Meghan, who was a double-major student studying Theater and International Relations at Northwestern University in Illinois, began. “The journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one. I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world, myself included.”

Meghan opened up to the crowd, admitting that her sole reason for being able to attend college was because of scholarships, financial aid, and work-study where her earnings from a job on campus went directly towards her tuition. “Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.”

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During her speech, Meghan also had the pleasure of announcing two new grants that support female staff members at the school. “When girls are given the right tools to succeed,” Meghan stated, “they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but for all of those around them. And while progress has been made in many areas across the Commonwealth, there is always scope to offer more opportunities to the next generation of young adults, and specifically to young women.” Meghan ended her powerful speech by saying that she and Harry “wish you all the very best of luck as you continue your studies and your work” and that the efforts made by all the students “will help to make a positive future for each of you and your communities at large.”

This speech comes just days after the pregnant Duchess took some time off from her busy touring schedule to catch up on rest. After being noticeably absent from an event, Kensington Palace released a statement on Oct. 21 stating that because of “a busy program, The Duke and Duchess have decided to cut back The Duchess’s schedule slightly.” Luckily for us — and Harry, of course — Meghan being back on tour means we get to see more of her and we seriously can’t wait to see what else the royal beauty has up her sleeve!

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