Michelle Obama Joins Prince Harry For Tea; Malia and Sasha Join In, Too
Michelle Obama, joined by daughters Sasha and Malia, joined Prince Harry for tea on Tuesday, kicking off a European tour to promote educational opportunities for girls, NBC News is reporting.
In Britain for two days to kick off her European tour, Michelle and the girls sat down with the now fifth-in-line-to-the-throne Prince Harry, where the four did the most British thing imaginable — drink tea — while Harry listened to the U.S. First Lady. The official royal Twitter account confirmed that Prince Harry was interested in what Michelle had to say.
Prince Harry was interested to hear from @FLOTUS about the #LetGirlsLearn initiative to further adolescent girls’ education around the world
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 16, 2015
During their tea, Michelle and Prince Harry discussed something that’s important to both of them: supporting veterans and their families. But Michelle’s main reason for her visit, according to People, was to promote her educational initiative for girls: Let Girls Learn.
“To educate a girl is to build a healthier family, a stronger community, and a brighter future. Unfortunately today, 62 million girls around the world are not in school. Half of them are adolescents. We know that countries with more girls in secondary school tend to have lower maternal mortality rates, lower infant mortality rates, lower rates of HIV/AIDS, and better child nutrition. But too often, a girl who could change her world for the better is locked out of that future by the circumstances of her birth or the customs of her community.”
After her tea with Prince Harry, Michelle and the girls stopped by a school in hardscrabble East London. There, she addressed the girls, talking to them about the importance of getting an education.
“I know what’s inside of girls like you and like me. I know…how much of a difference we can make for those around us” —FLOTUS #LetGirlsLearn
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) June 16, 2015
In particular, Michelle made it a point to address any Muslim girls who might have been in the room, pointing out to them that she, too, understands prejudice.
“Maybe you read the news and hear what folks are saying about your religion and you wonder if people will ever see beyond your headscarf to who you really are, instead of being blinded by the fears and misperceptions in their own mind. I know how angry and exhausting it can make you feel.”
Michelle made sure that the boys weren’t left out — she made sure to mention to the media that she and Prince Harry discussed the roles that men and boys have in making sure girls get an education.
[Images courtesy of: Getty Images / Pool]
