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Saudi ArabiaThe Sussexes

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are named as two of the world’s most influential people

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been named among the world’s most influential people in TIME’s annual list of the top 100 most influential people in the world.

Prince Harry was nominated to be put forward on the list by singer Sir Elton John, a close friend of The Royal Family.

In his nomination, Sir Elton said: “I first met an extremely shy and sweet Prince Harry at a private lunch at Kensington Palace, given by his mother Princess Diana for Gianni Versace and me many years ago. What a joy it has been to see that young boy grow to inherit his mother’s warmth, sense of humor and courage to stand up and champion the causes he truly believes in.

“Harry and I have bonded over a passionate desire to end the global AIDS epidemic, a disease for which his mother did so much important early work to fight stigma and build awareness.”

He added: “Prince Harry has that rare ability to walk into a room full of strangers and make everyone feel comfortable and at ease. As he has grown in maturity, I have watched him take on these causes with the remarkable skill to see and communicate how it truly feels for the people he is trying to help.”

Prince Harry’s soon-to-be-bride, Meghan Markle, was also named as one of the world’s top 100 influential people.

Meghan was nominated by one of her closest friends, Priyanka Chopra, who is widely rumoured to be one of Meghan’s bridesmaids in May.

In her nomination, Priyanka said: “Somewhere among biryani, poutine and endless conversations, I realized just how deeply Meghan Markle cares for the world. With her, what you see is real, and what you get is a relatable young woman with her heart and mind in the right place. Her compassion, evident in the causes she supports, and her drive to break down stereotypes—obvious in her actions—will connect her to a generation in much need of kindness.

“This ever-smiling, strong free spirit found her prince, fell in love and in turn made a cynical world believe in fairy tales again. But more than anything else, Meghan is an important influencer in a world that needs strong public figures to respect and look up to. People the world can be inspired by. Meghan, standing shoulder to shoulder with Harry, will be a princess for the people.”

Another royal face to be named as one of the world’s most influential people of 2018 is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Crown Prince has been nominated by a women’s rights activist [PHOTO BY SENIOR MASTER SGT. ADRIAN CADIZ)(RELEASED)]

The Crown Prince was nominated by women’s rights activist, Manal al-Sharif, a prominent campaigner in allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia.

In her nomination, Manal said: “Outside of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman might be associated with confrontation—with Iran, with Qatar, and especially in Yemen.

“But inside the kingdom, there is cautious optimism. The heir to the throne is lifting restrictions on women, allowing us to work in positions once limited to men, play sports and attend public events. In June we will finally be allowed to drive.”

You can see all of the world’s most influential people as named in TIME 100 by clicking here.