Meghan Markle made a surprise CNN appearance to honour COVID-19 heroes

Meghan Markle is helping to celebrate those who have stepped up in the face of the ongoing global pandemic and become everyday heroes. The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance during CNN’s annual Heroes All-Star Tribute TV special and honoured those who have donated their time, money and resources to ensure that their neighbors did not go without in 2020.

“In a year that has been universally challenging for everyone, I’m inspired by the stories of compassion in our communities. Across the country, people have put their own needs aside to come together and support the collective well-being of those around them,” said Markle during Sunday night’s TV special.

Calling the impact of the pandemic “catastrophic” for many families, Markle addressed the heartbreaking new reality faced by many who suddenly found themselves without jobs and without a way to provide food and other basic necessities for themselves and loved ones.

“In the face of this devastating reality we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times. We saw the good in people, in our neighbors, and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbors went hungry,” continued Markle.

Touching on the school lunch programs saved by community members and group efforts to deliver groceries to those who are immunocompromised, Markle used her time to celebrate the “quiet heroes” who helped to ensure those around them were fed. “These moments reminded so many that they’re cared for.”

In addition to Markle, CNN’s annual special also included celebrity appearances by Gal Gadot, Angela Bassett, Jim Gaffigan, Patton Oswalt and special guests Dr. Anthony Fauci and Chef José Andrés. Co-hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa, the event largely focused on celebrating those who stepped up in 2020 in response to the ongoing pandemic and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Sunday’s appearance marked Markle’s first since publishing her deeply personal and moving essay in the New York Times in November where the Duchess revealed that she suffered a miscarriage in July.

Since moving to California in March, Markle and her husband Prince Harry have only made a handful of public appearances and always in support of a charitable event or to help raise awareness for a social justice cause. The couple previously made a surprise appearance during Time Magazine’s first televised special honoring the most influential people of 2020. Megan and Harry appeared together during the TIME100 event and encouraged Americans to vote in the US presidential election.

Now that Harry and Meghan are no longer full-time working members of the royal family and have achieved financial independence, they are now free to make more of their own personal and business choices, including most recently, making financial investments in companies. On December 14, Fortune announced that Markle has made a personal investment into the wellness brand Clevr Blends, a female fronted organization that makes instant oat milk lattes.

“This investment is in support of a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritizes building community alongside her business,” Markle told Fortune in an official statement. Continuing, the Duchess of Sussex addressed Clevr Blends CEO Hannah Mendoza, adding “I’m proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness. I believe in her and I believe in her company.”

BEFORE YOU GO: The internet has fallen in love with this drumming duck

[video_embed id='2116872']BEFORE YOU GO: The internet has fallen in love with this drumming duck [/video_embed]