Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped back into the international spotlight – this time not for royal controversy, but for their humanitarian work.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were honoured in New York this week as Humanitarians of the Year at the Project Healthy Minds gala, held on World Mental Health Day. The recognition celebrates their work through the Archewell Foundation, which has become a major advocate for online safety, mental wellbeing and community support since its launch in 2020.
Appearing hand in hand on the red carpet in Manhattan, Harry and Meghan looked polished and united. Meghan wore a sleek black suit with gold jewellery, while Harry opted for a simple black tuxedo. It was their first major public appearance in several months – and a chance to highlight the causes that have defined their post-royal life.
Fighting for safer spaces for families
The couple’s Archewell Foundation has become a voice for families concerned about the impact of technology on children. Their Parents’ Network, launched in 2023, brings together parents who’ve lost children or seen them harmed through social media.
At this week’s gala, attendees were greeted by a haunting art installation – The Lost Screen Memorial – a series of glowing smartphone screens, each bearing the photo of a young person who died after experiencing online abuse or bullying.
Harry and Meghan released a joint statement before the event, saying:
“Working with families and young people to prioritise safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. As parents ourselves, we’ve been moved to action by the power of their stories.”
A wider humanitarian footprint
While much of their recent focus has been on mental health and online safety, the Sussexes’ humanitarian efforts reach well beyond the digital world.
Prince Harry continues his late mother Diana’s legacy through his work with The HALO Trust, an organisation dedicated to clearing landmines in post-war regions. He recently travelled to Angola – the same region where Diana famously walked through a minefield in 1997 – to draw attention to ongoing demining efforts and community rebuilding.
Both Harry and Meghan have also championed mental health awareness globally. Harry has appeared at Movember events in New York to encourage men to open up about depression, stress and emotional health. Meghan has been vocal about women’s empowerment, refugee support and mental wellness initiatives – often linking these causes to her experiences as a mother.
Through Archewell, the couple has provided funding for Save the Children, the World Health Organisation, and projects supporting ethical technology, vaccine access and emergency aid. Their foundation has also backed women’s community kitchens and wildlife conservation projects in Africa.
Doing good, not just talking about it
For Harry and Meghan, this latest award isn’t just another red carpet moment. It’s part of a deliberate effort to build a reputation based on substance rather than status.
While critics in Britain continue to debate their royal exit, in the United States — and increasingly around the world — they’re being recognised for something else entirely: their commitment to turning compassion into action.
As Harry once said, “Service is universal.” And this week in New York, it seems that message finally resonated.
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