Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrate Nelson Mandela at UN

He spoke on climate action and global democratic rights in remarks to UN general assembly

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan arrive at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday. AP

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony in New York. AFP

The UN holds its annual celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day at its headquarters in New York. AP

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan greet Guinea’s Foreign Minister Morissanda Kouate. AFP

The 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize is being awarded to Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr Morissanda Kouyate of Guinea. AFP

Royal applause at the UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony. AFP

Prince Harry addresses the UN General Assembly during the annual celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day in New York City. AFP

He spoke about the legacy and inspiration of the South African anti-apartheid leader who spent 27 years in a remote South African prison before becoming the president and first black leader of the country. AFP

Prince Harry leaves the podium after his rousing speech. AFP

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan leave the UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony. AFP

Britain's Prince Harry spoke on Monday at the UN about seeking insight from the late Nelson Mandela during a time of global uncertainty and urged countries to take action on climate change.

Accompanied by his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, the couple held hands as they walked into UN headquarters in New York City to mark Nelson Mandela International Day, held annually on the former South African president's birthday.

In the UN General Assembly hall, Harry spoke about the threats from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, what he called the reversal of constitutional rights in the US and the "weaponizing" of lies and disinformation.

"We are witnessing a global assault on democracy and freedom, the cause of Mandela's life," he said.

Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison during apartheid. He died in 2013 aged 95, but remains an icon for his struggle against apartheid and message of reconciliation.

Harry warned about the impact of climate change on Africa and the world.

"This crisis will only grow worse, unless our leaders lead, unless the countries represented by the seats in this hallowed hall make the decisions — the daring, transformative decisions — our world needs to save humanity," he said.

Harry spoke about a 1997 photo taken in Cape Town of Mandela and his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, which he said hangs on his wall.

"When I first looked at the photo, straight away, what jumped out was the joy on my mother's face. The playfulness, cheekiness even, pure delight to be in communion with another soul, so committed to serving humanity," he said.

Harry described Africa as a "lifeline," saying: "It's where I felt closest to my mother and sought solace after she died, and where I knew I found a soulmate in my wife."

Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, moved to the US two years ago to lead a more independent life. They live in California with their two children.