A lucky group of London students from Robert Clack Upper School were treated to a visit from the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

According to the Independent, Meghan had the school in her sites for a royal rendezvous due to the inspiring history of the institution. In 1968, Female machinists working for Ford Motors protested at the school for equal pay, an incisive historical moment which helped establish the Equal Pay Act.

While this was the primary reason for the Duchess’ visit, it was the head boy of the school, Aker Okoye, who shared headlines with Meghan, after he gave her a friendly cuddle on the school hall stage.

Aker broke royal protocol after he was invited up to the podium to speak about the importance of International Women’s Day. Meghan is no stranger to the odd awkward hugging moment, but this one really took the cake.

Following the hug, Okoye took the mic and told the school – “She really is beautiful, innit?”

The Robert Clack Upper School head boy left the entire room in peals of laughter – no doubt many in the audience were thinking the same thing!

You can watch the highlights from Meghan’s visit here. Skip ahead to 1:36 for the hug.

Although Aker broke Royal protocol, the Duchess was charmed by the young man’s “incredible confidence”. The head boy still thought it wise to send a friendly letter along to Meghan and Prince Harry, apologising for the hug.

Per The Daily Mail:

“Dear Harry and Meghan,” Aker wrote, “Harry, hope you don’t mind me writing this letter, I hope you didn’t mind me cuddling your wife. I was just overwhelmed and shocked to see her arrive at my school. It was a pleasure to hear her speech and to speak in front of her as well. She is truly inspirational.”

The 16-year-old described his moment with the Duchess as one of the top moments of his life.

Aker wasn’t the only one impressed, with Meghan leaving feeling inspired by the school’s pupils and their dedication to creating a more equal world. The Duchess spoke to groups of students throughout the day, including a selection of young men and women who chatted to her about their dream careers and hopes for the future.

“It’s incredibly impressive and I’m just so proud to be able to witness so much of this activism and this energy in this room,” Meghan gushed.

After announcing the decision to step back from their duties as part of the Royal family, Meghan’s visit to the London school marks one of her last jaunts in her official capacity as the Duchess of Sussex.

[source:independent&dailymail]