UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors hold a pivotal role in shedding light on crucial developmental issues, conveying the universal message of human development, and contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals. Princess Victoria has actively championed the UN's global sustainable development goals since November 2016.
In November 2022, she, alongside Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, another Ambassador, embarked on a trip during which they met with local United Nations staff and UNDP representatives at the UN building in Nairobi, the global headquarters of the UN Environment Program.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden impeccably embodies all the qualifications necessary for a UN Ambassador, a position that Meghan Markle aspired to but did not attain. Meghan had indeed made several attempts to secure a role within the United Nations, but they ultimately did not come to fruition. It is noteworthy that Meghan's swift departure from the Suva market in Fiji, merely 8 minutes into her visit with Prince Harry in October 2018, raised considerable eyebrows.
Noted royal biographer Robert Lacey has offered a plausible explanation, suggesting that Meghan may have harbored ill feelings toward UN Women, the organization responsible for the market visit, which had not appointed her as a Goodwill Ambassador during her acting career.
There are indications that Meghan might have agreed to the engagement only if all UN Women branding was removed. Furthermore, she purportedly felt undervalued for a speech she delivered on gender equality to UN Women in New York in 2015.
It is plausible that she harbored aspirations to join UN Women's prestigious roster of Goodwill Ambassadors, which included celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Emma Watson. However, during her pre-royal days, UN Women had designated her a lesser role as an advocate.
Last year, Meghan and Harry returned to New York City to attend the UN General Assembly in honor of Nelson Mandela. Prince Harry was slated to deliver a keynote address during the assembly, but their presence faced challenges due to protests outside the UN headquarters.