Meghan Markle makes a surprise appearance on CNN
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made an unscheduled appearance on CNN's annual Heroes TV special on Sunday to honor the most inspiring moments of the year and the people who made them come true.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meghan thanked the "people (who) stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met" over the past year, which she noted was "a universal challenge for all ».
"They made sure that those around them didn't have to suffer in isolation," he said on the show.
The Duchess and her husband, Prince Henry, left their high royal positions in March as COVID-19 was spreading across the world, eventually moving to California.
Despite keeping a lower profile, the couple continue to volunteer with numerous charities in the Los Angeles area. In April, they delivered food to Los Angeles residents through Project Angel Food, which helps feed the chronically ill.
At the beginning of the school year, the couple distributed supplies to needy students with Baby2Baby, according to the charity's Instagram page, and Prince Harry was seen volunteering at the Compton-based Walker Family Events Foundation, which supports veterans and their families.
Meghan on CNN Heroes
Speaking on the CNN Heroes special, Meghan noted that "in the face of this devastating reality ... we saw the power of the human spirit and the outstanding ways that communities respond in difficult times."
"We saw the good in people, in our neighbors and in whole communities who came together to say that they would not be left out while our neighbors went hungry," he said.
For the past 14 years, CNN Heroes has honored ordinary people committed to making the world a better place. Hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and ABC's Kelly Ripa, CNN's annual star heroes tribute is typically broadcast in front of a live audience, but this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was prerecorded.
Other famous presenters included comedians Jim Gaffigan and Patton Oswalt, actresses Angela Bassett and Gal Gadot, and as special guests Dr. Anthony Fauci and chef José Andrés.
