Meghan and Prince Harry were honoured at the World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City. Photo / Getty Images
Meghan and Prince Harry were honoured at the World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City. Photo / Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is glad her children are “still too young for social media” but she knows “that day is coming”.
The royal made an appearance at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City on Thursday alongside her husband Prince Harry. During a turnon stage, the couple opened up about raising their two kids, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, in the digital age – vowing to protect them from online dangers for as long as possible.
Speaking to the audience at the venue in the Big Apple, Meghan said: “Our children, Archie and Lilibet, are just 6 and 4 years old. Can you believe it?
“Luckily, they’re still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming.
“Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against its dangers. And that hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible.”
The couple were honoured with the Humanitarians of the Year award in recognition of their work to make the online world safer for families and young people.
The couple emphasised online safety and mental wellbeing through their Archewell Foundation and The Parents Network. Photo / Getty Images
They were also honoured for their attempts to advance mental wellbeing worldwide through their non-profit Archewell Foundation and The Parents Network, which they launched in 2023 to support families impacted by online harm.
According to People, Harry told the audience: “Tonight we’re all here together to focus on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time ... This is a pivotal moment in our collective mission to protect children and support families in the digital age, and we cannot do it without you.”
They also spoke about plans to team up with ParentsTogether, a US charity that advocates for online safety for families, with Harry saying: “We knew this movement needed to grow.
“These families are not only up against corporations and lobbyists, many of whom spend tens of millions of dollars every year in suppressing the truth, but also algorithms designed to maximise data collection at any cost.”
Meghan said: “We know that when parents come together, when communities unite, waves are made. We’ve seen it happen and we’re watching it grow and with your support we’ll continue building a safer digital world for all of our children.
“So on behalf of my husband and I, thank you so much for being here tonight. Thank you all of you for your support and thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work.”
