Meghan speaks out for the arts and writes messages of support for sex workers

The Duchess of Sussex wrote personal messages of love and empowerment on bananas destined for food parcels for sex workers in Bristol.

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken out in support of the arts and written heartfelt words of support for sex workers during a visit to Bristol.

Meghan told young performers that after-school creative activities were just as important as sport as she toured the city’s famous Bristol Old Vic theatre with Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

Meghan penned the words, often followed by a heart, “You are strong”, “You are special”, “You are brave” and “You are loved” on the fruit at the One25 organisation based in the St Paul’s area of Bristol.

Messages written on fruit by the Duchess of Sussex when she was helping to prepare food parcels to go in the charity outreach van during her visit to One25 — Messages written on fruit by the Duchess of Sussex (Toby Melville/PA)

But wrapped up against the cold in a William Vintage coat, Oscar de la Renta dress and Sarah Flint boots, the heavily pregnant duchess greeted dozens of royal fans with her husband.

The Duchess of Sussex arrives for a visit to the Bristol Old Vic theatre — Meghan was wrapped up against the cold (Marc Giddings/The Sun/PA)

The former actress added: “There’s so much emphasis in after-school clubs on sport.

“Channelling energy that you have into the creative arts and theatre is equally as important. Sport isn’t for everyone, just like theatre isn’t for everyone.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Bristol Old Vic theatre — Meghan and Harry during their visit to the Bristol Old Vic theatre (Marc Giddings/The Sun/PA)

The duchess revealed she was inspired to leave positive messages in the food bags after learning about a similar gesture made for school children.

Some of the 150 women who are still street sex-working in Bristol will receive the parcels from One25 containing the actress-turned-royal’s message later in the evening.

The Duchess of Sussex helps put together food parcels to go in the charity outreach van and prepares personalised messages on fruit in the charity kitchen during her visit to One25 — The duchess helps put together food parcels to go in One25’s outreach van (Toby Melville/PA)

“I thought it was the most incredible idea – this small gesture.”

When the duke and duchess first arrived, they found they were not the main attraction for a group of young children.

The two and three-year-olds from Abbeywood Tots Nursery were more excited about the digestive biscuits they had been given by a member of staff.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a visit to the Bristol Old Vic theatre — The couple were greeted by crowds in Bristol (Marc Giddings/The Sun/PA)

“Harry and Meghan found it so funny that the children beckoned them over like, ‘We’re excited to see you’, and as soon as they came over they were interested in their biscuits.”

The duke shared a private moment with a bereaved youngster when the couple ended their day at the Empire Fighting Chance charity – which combines non-contact boxing with education, mentoring and therapy.

The Duke of Sussex during a visit to the charity Empire Fighting Chance in Easton, Bristol — Harry strikes a boxing pose at the charity Empire Fighting Chance (Tom Pilston/Daily Telegraph/PA)

The duke’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when Harry was aged just 12, and he has spoken in the past of the effect it has had on his mental health.

Martin Bisp, co-founder of the charity, said: “There was a moment where him and a young person shared an experience.

“They sat down and asked us to leave the room and talked candidly.”