Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were recognised as Humanitarians of the Year at the World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City. The couple were celebrated for their long-standing commitment to mental health awareness and their activism surrounding online safety and social media responsibility. The event, hosted by Project Healthy Minds, gathered philanthropists, campaigners and public figures dedicated to tackling the digital mental health crisis.

In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry addressed what he described as one of the most urgent social issues of this generation. He highlighted how more than 4,000 families are currently represented by the Social Media Victims Law Centre, families who have lost children or seen them harmed due to the effects of social media. He condemned technology companies for failing to disclose crucial data that could help parents understand what happened to their children online. The Duke called for transparency and accountability from major digital platforms, urging governments and corporations to prioritise child protection over profit.

Meghan Markle echoed her husband’s sentiments, sharing how they as parents often discuss the balance between embracing technology and protecting their children from its risks. Their Archewell Foundation used the occasion to announce a partnership between its Parents’ Network and the advocacy group ParentsTogether. The collaboration aims to promote digital education and provide parents with tools to navigate the complex online world.