The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were honoured for addressing racial justice and mental health at "Ripple of Hope" in New York. The British royals received the award on Tuesday from the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation which honours leaders across government, business, advocacy and entertainment who have shown an "unwavering commitment to social change".

The couple during the gala talked about tearing "down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance," PageSix reported.

Kerry Kennedy, president of the Foundation and daughter of late U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, said the couple had been "incredibly brave" to talk about their experience of racial injustice and mental illness, the Telegraph reported.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky was also among those to be honoured by the organisation.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry said in a statement that "a ripple of hope can turn into a wave of change," Reuters reported.

The award came days before a much-anticipated Netflix documentary series, amid widespread speculation over what the couple, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will say about Britain's Royal Family.

Since Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal duties two years ago and moved to California they have delivered stinging criticism of the British monarchy and accusations of racism, accusations that the family has dismissed.

Trailers for the series showed Harry accusing the royal household of leaking stories about the family and saying that they were ready, to tell the truth about their experience.

Buckingham Palace has released no statements about the documentary series.