PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle joined A-listers Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez for the filming of an upcoming Covid concert to “reunite the world” on Sunday night.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are among a bevvy of big names taking part in the taping of the Vax Live show, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
Harry was pictured speaking on stage on Sunday night, dressed in a button-down blue shirt and dark pants.
A post to Harry and Meghan’s Archewell website had suggested the couple would “deliver an important message for vaccine equity” together during the event.
However, Harry delivered an impassioned speech about vaccine distribution alone.
“Hi everybody. We are at a defining moment in the global fight against COVID-19,” he began.
“Tonight is a celebration of each of you here, the vaccinated frontline workers in the audience and the millions of frontline heroes around the world.
“You spent the last year battling courageously and selflessly to protect us all. You served and sacrificed, put yourselves in harm’s way and with bravery knowing the costs. We owe you an incredible depth of gratitude, thank you.”
Harry continued that “we’re also coming together because this pandemic cannot end unless we act collectively with an unprecedented commitment to our shared humanity.”
The Duke of Sussex called for the vaccine to be distributed “to everyone everywhere”, adding “we cannot rest or truly recover until there is fair distribution to every corner of the world.”
“None of us should be comfortable thinking that we could be fine when so many others are suffering,” he preached.
“In reality, and especially with this pandemic, when any suffer, we all suffer. We must look beyond ourselves with empathy and compassion for those we know, and those we don’t. We need to lift up all of humanity and make sure that no person or community is left behind.
“What we do in this moment will stand in history and tonight, we stand in solidarity with the millions of families across India who are battling a devastating second wave,” he concluded.
Harry and Meghan are serving as Campaign Chairs of VAX Live, which “aims to inspire vaccine confidence worldwide and help get the COVID-19 vaccines to everyone, everywhere” according to a statement by Global Citizen.
The event is due to air on television on May 8.
Also taking to the stage on Sunday was singer J-Lo who offered a musical performance in a stunning pink gown. She was joined momentarily by her mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez.
The event is hosted by Selena Gomez, and also includes virtual appearances from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill, in addition to Pope Francis.
Other guests include Oscar-winning actor Ben Affleck, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and the Dave Grohl-fronted rock group, Foo Fighters.
Vax Live is being billed as an event to “reunite the world” with performances from a host of stars.
As campaign chairs, Harry and Meghan will lead a drive to raise money for COVAX – a vaccine-sharing program co-led by the World Health Organization.
Speaking on their Archwell site, Meghan and Harry said: “Over the past year, our world has experienced pain, loss, and struggle—together. Now we need to recover and heal—together. We can’t leave anybody behind.
“We will all benefit, we will all be safer, when everyone, everywhere has equal access to the vaccine.
“We must pursue equitable vaccine distribution, and in that, restore faith in our common humanity. This mission couldn’t be more critical or important.”
It is the glitziest event the pair have taken place in since they left the UK for the US last year when they stepped down as senior royals.
The concert will also be the first time pregnant Meghan has been seen in public since the couple’s explosive Oprah Winfrey interview.
Harry attended his grandfather Prince Philip’s funeral in the UK this month but flew back to Meghan and baby Archie soon after.
Multiple organisations have thrown their weight behind the campaign – including WHO and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The event will be streamed at 8pm ET time in the US on ABC, CBS and YouTube.
