Meghan Markle surprised royal fans when she appeared on CNN's annual Heros TV special on Sunday.

The special honoured inspiring people who have helped out this year during the coronavirus pandemic.

Markle thanked “individuals (who) stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met” this year, which she says has been “universally challenging for everyone”.

“They made sure those around them did not have to suffer in isolation,” she said on the program.

“In the face of this devastating reality, we ... 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,” she said.

The former Duchess continued to list all of the things she's witnessed this year.

“These moments reminded so many that they are cared for.”

Ending her message, Markle said that these individuals “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 OK.”