Meghan Markle's heartwarming letter to her 'very shy' classmate

A "loving note" written by Meghan Markle to her "very shy" high school classmate has been unearthed for the first time.

In the handwritten letter, from Meghan's time at Immaculate Heart High School in California, she tells her friend Michelle that she is "so strong and wonderful" and has a "beautiful spirit".

The note, which was undated and scrawled in immaculate handwriting, shows "the depth of her heart" according to her old teachers, according to the Daily Mail.

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It is believed the letter was intended to bolster the confidence of her classmate, who was described by teachers as "a bit of a loner".

Speaking on new Channel 5 show How to Bag a Prince, the Duchess of Sussex's former headteacher Christine Knudsen said: "I got this letter from one of the students in her group.

"This student was very shy she was very unsure of herself she was kind of a bit of a loner.

"Meghan wrote her the most wonderful loving note… even though Meghan was not her close friend at all. It just shows the depth of her heart."

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The letter reads: "Dear Michelle, You are so strong and so wonderful – your courage in strength in times of hardships is as admirable as your optimism and friendly nature.

"I am so lucky to have you in my group and to be able to lead you on this adventure. Never stop sharing your beautiful spirit and always remember how special you are. I am here if you ever need me. I love you, Meghan."

Producers also spoke to Maria Pollia, a religious studies teacher at Immaculate Heart, who told how a young Meghan approached her for advice about helping homeless people on California's notorious Skid Row.

She recalled: "One day, after class, Meghan approached me and said, 'So tell me more about serving on Skid Row.'"

"And so I suggested she continued to volunteer at this soup kitchen in her senior year.

"Meghan always took it a step further, not just distributing food but learning people's names, learning their stories.

"Because that's where I think her compassion comes from connecting with people… I think it's important to know that her heart is in everything she does.

"The fact that Meghan is interested in these causes such as hunger and empowerment of women and many other things she's been involved in – that's not new."

Pollia was referencing Meghan's humanitarian work, which has taken her to countries including Rwanda and seen her appointed as UN Women's Advocate for Women's Political Participation and Leadership.

The Channel 5 documentary explores what took an "ordinary Californian girl" to entering royal circles and meeting the Queen.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is reproduced here with permission.