Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to make special UN appearance in New York City

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will visit New York City next week. Photo / Getty Images

Prince Harry will address the United Nations in New York City next week.

The Duke of Sussex will be joined by his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Monday, July 18 when he gives a speech as part of Nelson Mandela Day to an informal General Assembly gathering, with him reportedly planning to talk about the impact of climate change and world hunger.

A UN spokesperson told the Daily Mail, "The South African Mission has confirmed the participation of the Duke and the Duchess at Monday's commemoration."

The engagement will be the couple's first public appearance since their brief participation in last month's Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, in London.

The couple made a visit to the UN General Assembly in September 2021 but didn't participate in the speeches at the assembly hall.

Nelson Mandela Day has been celebrated by the UN since 2009 and the public are urged to participate by making a difference in their community.

A post on the United Nations website states: "Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change."

This year's Nelson Mandela Day tagline is, 'Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.'

In 2019, Harry and Meghan - who have children Archie, three, and Lili, 13 months, together - met Mandela's widow, Graca Machel, during a visit to South Africa and are believed to have wanted to honour the late activist since then.

Machel said to the couple during their meeting: "It's wonderful meeting you. I'm sure we're going to be working together in the future. I can feel the vibe."

During the trip, the couple also met Mandela's granddaughter, Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela and his former cellmate Andrew Mlangeni.