KEY POINTS

  • Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance on CNN's annual TV special, "Heroes: An All-Star Tribute"
  • She thanked heroes who helped people in need throughout the pandemic 
  • The Duchess of Sussex also talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected families

Meghan Markle thanked those who have been lending a hand to people in need throughout the coronavirus pandemic during an unannounced TV appearance, her first since revealing her miscarriage last month.

During CNN's “Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” the Duchess of Sussex expressed her gratitude to the people who have been going out of their way to help during this terrifying time, explaining that she was inspired by the stories of compassion.

“For many families, the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic, and far too many were faced with the heartbreaking question: How am I going to put food on the table for my family? But in the face of this devastating reality, we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times,” Markle said.

“We saw the good in people, in our neighbors and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbors went hungry. We saw communities standing up and taking action,” the former “Suits” actress added.

Markle also noted how neighbors would make sure that the kids got their required nutrition when children’s lunch programs stopped earlier this year and how the community delivered food to those who are in need and are immunocompromised.

“We know the value of food; as nourishment, as a life source, and in the moments of crisis, the warmth of a meal can feel as comforting as a much-needed hug -- especially in the absence of human contact due to the social distancing we're all experiencing," Markle shared, adding that these people are reminded that they are cared for during these times.

The Duchess of Sussex went on to praise the “quiet heroes” who “stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met.” These people have also assured that others “did not have to suffer in isolation,” Markle said.

Markle’s surprise appearance came after she wrote an op-ed that detailed the painful loss of her and Prince Harry's second child in July.

“As much as we may disagree, as physically distanced as we may be,” she wrote in her essay in The New York Times, “the truth is that we are more connected than ever because of all we have individually and collectively endured this year.”

Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle is pictured attending a Commonwealth Day Youth Event at Canada House on March 11, 2019, in London, England. Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images