Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Visit Elementary School In Harlem During Trip To New York City

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent part of their second day in New York City visiting an elementary school in Harlem.

The couple is here for a charity event, to meet with global leaders and push for vaccine equity, CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported Friday.

Harry and Meghan met with 2nd graders at PS 123 on West 141st Street. Harry sat with the kids while Meghan read from her book, "The Bench."

"I wrote this book originally as a poem for my husband when we just had our little boy," Markle told the class. "I haven't ever read it to any other kids besides our own kids. So I'm really excited now I get to read it to you."

The couple joined New York City Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter to highlight the Community Schools Initiative, which ensures children are emotionally and socially equipped to learn.

"When I was a little girl, sometimes you couldn't see books and see people that look like yourself," Markle said. "I wanted to make sure that everyone felt like they were included."

It was the couple's first major public appearance since the birth of their daughter, Lillibet, in June. Their son, Archie, is now 2 years old.

The kids stayed behind in California as Harry and Meghan attended meetings at the United Nations to discuss vaccine equity.

On Thursday, they toured the World Trade Center site, 9/11 Memorial and observatory with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The main focus of their visit is to attend Global Citizen, a charity music festival, Saturday in Central Park.

The stage is being set for the concert that's part of a worldwide, 24-hour event with a focus on climate change, ending hunger and fighting for global access to COVID vaccines.

Despite giving up their royal titles, Meghan and Harry said they're continuing to use their platform for global change and to inspire the next generation.

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