Here's How Naomi Campbell Is Replacing Meghan And Harry In This Royal Role
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has replaced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as the ambassador of a major royal charity. According to People, the British fashion icon was recently named as a Global Ambassador for the Queen's Commonwealth Trust for the upcoming Platinum Jubilee year in 2022, a position that was previously vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they decided to step down from royal duties back in early 2020.
The Queen's Commonwealth Trust was set up in April 2018 and aims to invest in young leaders who work to transform their communities across the Commonwealth of 54 countries, all of which have close ties to the United Kingdom.
"The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (QCT) launched on April 21st 2018 in recognition of Her Majesty The Queen's lifetime of service to others and her love for the Commonwealth and its young people ... QCT provides three key elements founders tell us they need to succeed: flexible funding, practical tools and guidance, and access to a global network of like-minded young entrepreneurs," the organization's official website reads.
Naomi Campbell spoke publicly about her new role
During a speech at the Hotel Café Royal in London on Thursday, September 16, Campbell said it was an "honor" for her to take on "this very grown-up role" of Global Ambassador for the royal charity (via People). "I just want to start with I'm from a Jamaican heritage. And so I always grew up hearing about the Commonwealth and never thought I would ever be anything to do with the Commonwealth, but I know how proud my grandmother and my great aunts and uncles were of being part of the Commonwealth, being a Jamaican," Campbell said in the speech.
She continued, "Regardless of where you are from or where you are now, there are young leaders within your community doing amazing work. Sometimes they are not seen and some of them may not even see themselves as 'leaders' yet, but they all deserve our support, and access to education and resources."
Wrapping up her speech, the model added that she has been working to empower young people "for over 25 years," adding, "This is something very close to my heart and I will continue to do everything I can to uplift the next generation, so they can create a better future for their communities."