Duchess Meghan gives powerful speech: 'Feminism is about fairness'

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, praised New Zealand's 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in a powerful speech at the Government House in Wellington on Sunday.

"We are proud to join you in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in your country," the expectant mother said on the last leg of his Royal Tour with Prince Harry.

Jacinda Ardern (the nation's third female prime minister) and Governor Dame Patsy Reddy (the third female governor general).

"The Achievements of the Women of New Zealand, who are universally admired," the duchess said standing in front of a painting of Queen Elizabeth. "In looking This is a special opportunity, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the impact of this symbolization. "

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Duchess Meghan, a vocal supporter of women's rights, said "women's suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness."

Wearing a black Gabriela Hearst dress, the royal emphasis on the importance of voting for everyone, regardless of "race, gender, ethnicity or orientation."

"Suffrage is not only about the right to vote but also about the fact that it represents the basic and fundamental aspects of your life. You are a part of the world, "Duchess Meghan said.

She continued: "Bravo, New Zealand, for championing this right 125 years ago – for the women who are well deserving to have an active voice and vote, and for all of us deeply thank you. "

This was Duchess Meghan's third speech of the 16-day tour of the South Pacific with her husband, Prince Harry. The newlyweds have been visited in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

The reception was delayed after a fire alarm, was supposed to be triggered by an atomizer spreading air freshener in a bathroom, forced guests to briefly evacuate the building.

Everything resumed as normal shortly after. Duchess Meghan received loud applause when she began her speech with a greeting in indigenous Maori.

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The Duchess of Sussex performs a hongi as she waits for a traditional welcome ceremony on the lawns of Goverment House on Oct. 28, 2018, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo: Samir Hussein / WireImage)

It may have been learned a thing or two ago when greeted with an indigenous Maori welcome.

Harry and Meghan have performed with Maori elders, in which they have joined forces to share a breath. They were welcomed with traditional haka performances and a 21-gun salute at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand's capital.

The couple are scheduled to spend a few days in New Zealand, where they will go to a national park, meet young people training to be part of the film industry and visit a hatchery for the national bird, the kiwi.

Contributing: The Associated Press