As is tradition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notably absent from the lineup of celebrity commencement speakers this year.
Another graduation season has come and gone, and once again, the Sussexes were missing from the notable 2024 commencement speakers. Reflecting on history, it seems the only graduation speech that Meghan has given was an unsolicited address released to the media in 2020. Despite their absence, their circle of friends and associates has had their share of the commencement spotlight.
Here’s a closer look at some of Harry and Meghan’s famous friends who’ve given memorable commencement speeches over the years. These individuals have participated in Meghan’s initiatives like "Archetypes" and "40x40." Participants include John Legend, the singer, songwriter, and producer known for his EGOT status, who delivered the commencement address at Loyola Marymount University in 2024. Over the years, John has given numerous commencement speeches and received three honorary doctorate degrees.
Mindy Kaling, the actress and comedian, spoke at Dartmouth University in 2018. Tracee Ellis Ross, the actress and daughter of Diana Ross, gave a powerful commencement speech at Spelman College in 2023, encouraging graduates to embrace their identities and pursue their passions.
Archetypes podcast guests include Melody Hobson, the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chairwoman of Starbucks Corporation, who spoke at the University of Southern California in 2015. Serena Williams, the tennis legend, addressed the graduating class of 2020, sharing her journey and emphasizing resilience and determination. Trevor Noah, the South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show, spoke at Princeton University in 2021.
40x40 participants include Deepak Chopra, the author and alternative medicine advocate, who delivered a thought-provoking speech at the University of Southern California in 2017. Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate, famously delivered her first commencement speech at Wellesley College in 1969 and returned to her alma mater in 2017 for another powerful address. Katie Couric, the journalist and television personality, spoke at UMass Medical School in 2017. Kerry Washington, the actress, delivered a stirring speech at George Washington University in 2013, where she received an honorary doctorate degree.
Friends of the Sussexes include Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian and television host, who delivered a memorable commencement address at Tulane University in 2009. Gayle King, the journalist and television personality, spoke at the University of Maryland in 2023. Gloria Steinem, Meghan’s close friend and feminist icon, has given numerous commencement speeches over the decades, with a 1987 speech at Tufts University standing out as particularly influential. Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul, has delivered dozens of commencement speeches and received numerous honorary degrees, inspiring graduates across the world.
A recent highlight includes Katherine Hahn, like Meghan, a Northwestern University alum. This year, she gave the commencement speech at Northwestern University and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. The question remains why Meghan, despite her high profile, hasn’t been invited by Northwestern to deliver a commencement address or received an honorary degree.
In 2020, Harry and Meghan signed with the esteemed New York-based Harry Walker Agency, known for representing high-profile clients like the Clintons, the Obamas, and John Legend for speaking engagements. At the time, it was widely reported that Harry and Meghan could charge up to a million dollars per speech. However, their dreams of making millions from speaking engagements seem to have stalled. Despite their connections and potential, Harry and Meghan have yet to make a significant impact in the world of commencement speaking. Their absence from the 2024 lineup continues to raise questions about their current influence and future directions. With their high-profile friends leading the way, it remains to be seen if the Sussexes will ever step into the commencement spotlight.
