Prince Harry, Markle make Commonwealth debut; meet Indian research scholars

Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have made their debut as Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors and interacted with some Indian research scholars after assuming their new role.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pledged to back unique projects from all 53 member countries of the Commonwealth.

"I don't take this job lightly," said Prince Harry, who was appointed to the role in April.

The royal couple will embark on their first official tour as youth ambassadors to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga in the coming months.

The visit will encourage plans around Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), which provides an opportunity for young people to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people and ensure young people have a voice in its future.

Indian Commonwealth Scholarship winners at the Youth Challenge event this week included Dr. Rizwan Javed, pharmaceutical researcher Kanika Thakur, environmentalist Ananda Nidhi, Shrishti Gupta, and Shraddha Singh.

"It's important to have the younger generation have a stake in the Commonwealth," said YK Sinha, India's High Commissioner to the UK.

Participants generated ideas about the type of Commonwealth they want to see in 2040.