Kiss and hug with the duchess for head boy
Russell Myers
A teenager stole a kiss from the Duchess of Sussex at a packed school assembly – then announced: “She really is beautiful, innit.”
Head boy Aker Okoye, 16, hugged Meghan and gave her a peck on the cheek before leaning into a mic to deliver his priceless quip.
The duchess – on a secret visit to Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham, east London – burst into laughter, wagged her finger at Aker in mock admonishment and crossed her arms.
The exchange came on the school stage after she addressed pupils ahead of today’s International Women’s Day.
Meghan, 38, urged boys at the mixed school to “value, appreciate and protect” the women in their lives.
As part of her rallying speech, she invited one “brave young man” to join her on stage to speak about why the anniversary was important to him.
To wild applause, up stepped Aker. After describing Meghan as beautiful, he told his fellow pupils: “I had to speak the truth there. International Women’s Day is a reminder to everyone that women can do it all and do do it all.
“This is more of a message to all you guys. Maybe this Sunday could be the one day we don’t look at women as objects. I just want International Women’s Day for all of us to be a reminder of how strong our community is with women inside.”
To screams and applause, he gave Meghan a second hug.
As he left the stage, she said: “Well done. Very well said. And incredible confidence, won’t you all agree?” Speaking afterwards, Aker said calling Meghan beautiful was an “ice-breaker”.
He added: “It’s different when you meet people in person from on TV.
“It’s a different feeling. Sorry about the ice breaker, I don’t want to objectify
My heart was racing because I knew I had to speak in front of all my cohorts