Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have set off on many ventures since leaving their roles as senior royals—including championing many causes close to their hearts.
Now, their social justice work is being recognized in a big way, as they prepare to receive the President's Award at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 26. The Sussexes have also created the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award to honor leaders utilizing technology to advance social justice, whose winner has yet to be announced.
The awards take place over several days, and many winners have already been named, including Saweetie for Best New Artist, Jazmine Sullivan for Outstanding Female Artist and Anthony Hamilton for Outstanding Male Artist.
"We're thrilled to present this award to Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who together have heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity in the U.S. and around the world," the president and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, said in a statement (via ABC News).
"Not only do they continue to lead by example, the duke and duchess have also decided to inspire the next generation of activists through the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award," the statement continued.
The President's Award has previously gone to huge names, including LeBron James, Rihanna, Jay-Z and John Legend. Ella Fitzgerald was its first recipient in 1987.
In response, the Sussexes stated, "It's a true honor to be recognized by President Derrick Johnson and the NAACP. We're proud to support the NAACP's work and to also partner with the organization on the newly created annual NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
The royal couple has advocated for (and donated to) diverse causes, such as vaccine equality, female education, safety from domestic violence and many more. They do much of their philanthropic work through their foundation, Archewell.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
32 Beauty Products That Are Just So Good
Sponsor Content Created With Walmart
By Caitie Schlisserman Published
-
Are "Roe-Bots" the Future of Abortion Access?
As the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could severely curtail medication abortion nationwide, one organization showed that reproductive healthcare is here to stay—no matter what.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Meghan Markle Looks to Break Into the Beauty Space, Intending to Sell Fragrance, Makeup, Candles, and More with Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard
The latest update to the company’s trademark application is extremely compelling (and extensive).
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Reportedly Being “Left Out of Any Details Regarding Kate”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have a tighter-than-ever circle around them as Kate recovers from abdominal surgery.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
Prince Harry Is Reportedly “Worried” About Sister-in-Law Kate Middleton After Seeing Mother Princess Diana and Wife Meghan Markle Endure Similar Public Vitriol
Harry and Kate were once famously close.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Bios on the Official Royal Family Website Look Really Different Today
It’s apparently a result of a “long overdue update.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
If You Want to Buy Jellies and Jams, Napkin Rings, and Recipe Books from Meghan Markle, You're In Luck
Here’s what we know about Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard—including the poignant reason why she likely chose to hard launch it yesterday.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Despite Being 5,000 Miles Apart, Prince William and Prince Harry Still Couldn’t Bear to Attend an Event at the Same Time—Even One That Honored Their Mother Princess Diana
Their separate appearances at the Diana Awards were carefully timed so that William, onsite in London, had zero opportunity to interact with Harry, calling in from California.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Would Have Been "Annihilated" Over William and Kate Photo "Mistake," Source Says
She's a perfectionist.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
‘Deal or No Deal’ Host Howie Mandel Admits, for the Life of Him, He Can’t Remember Meghan Markle or This Fellow A-Lister Being on the Show
For her part, Meghan will tell you it wasn't her favorite gig.
By Rachel Burchfield Published