Harry accused of ‘copying’ William’s speech

The Duke of Sussex gave a poignant address at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday as he and Meghan Markle marked International Nelson Mandela Day.

As well as speaking passionately about the former South African leader, Harry told how he “sought solace” in Africa following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, reported The Sun.

He said: “It’s where I felt closest to my mother and sought solace after she died.”

The duke went on to add the continent was “where I knew I’d found a soulmate in my wife” – prompting fans to draw similarities to phrases the Duke of Cambridge used in a speech last year.

William told the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland at the time: “It was here in Scotland, 20 years ago, that I first met Catherine.

“Needless to say, the time when you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.”

Like Harry, he also spoke of losing his mother, adding: “And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors.”

The brothers share the same experience of losing their mum and it is not surprising they would both reference her when discussing their most powerful memories.

But Royal fans were quick to catch on, suggesting Harry’s wording was very similar to Wills’.

One person wrote on Twitter: “Prince Harry just copied and pasted Prince William’s 2021 Church of Scotland Speech.”

Another said: “I knew I’d heard that before. It isn’t the first time that he has copied William.”

Someone else added: “Have nothing to say don’t say BUT don’t copy your brother speech.”

During his speech, Harry also referenced a number of points absent from Wills’ speech in 2021.

As well as paying tribute to Mandela’s legacy, he told of the dangers of climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine and abortion laws in the US.

He said: “We’re living through a pandemic that continues to ravage communities in every corner of the globe; climate change wreaking havoc on our planet, with the most vulnerable suffering most of all; the few, weaponising lies and disinformation at the expense of the many; and from the horrific war in Ukraine to the rolling back of constitutional rights here in the United States.

“We are witnessing a global assault on democracy and freedom – the cause of Mandela’s life.”

Many people praised the points, with one person commenting: “The best speech by Prince Harry on Mandela Day, it’s captivating and motivating for Africans.”

Another said: “Duke of Sussex delivered a powerful and moving statement at UN in New York today.

“It showed that he is always in touch with people on the ground to understand their challenges especially

This story appeared in The Sun and is reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Prince Harry accused of ‘copying and pasting’ William’s speech when he addressed UN by fans