The Duchess of Sussex has praised the 'quiet heroes' of the coronavirus pandemic – key workers, volunteers, and those who supported vulnerable people in their communities – in a clip recorded for CNN.

It marks Meghan's first public appearance since sharing the tragic news of her miscarriage back in the summer.

As part of the CNN Heroes series, Meghan said in the touching clip: "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 wellbeing of those around them.

"For many families, the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic, and far too many were faced with the heartbreaking question: 'How am I going to put food on the table for my family?'

"But 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 neighbours and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbours went hungry.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex honors the people working to feed those in need during the pandemic on CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. Get Involved: https://t.co/MkgzSomt7H pic.twitter.com/jnPzPtmBGx

— CNN Heroes (@CNNHeroes) December 14, 2020

"Tonight, we are celebrating those quiet heroes... These individuals stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met. They made sure those around them did not have to suffer in isolation. They nourished their neighbours in more ways than one.

"And they showed us – all of us – that even in the darkest times, when we come together, we have the power to remind someone else that there is hope, and that we will be okay."

In November, New York Times shared a poignant letter the Duchess wrote about losing her baby.

It read: "I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right. I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.

"Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal."