Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were named ‘Humanitarians of the Year’ at a glitzy ceremony in New York last night, where they spoke about the dangers of social media as one of the “most pressing issues of our time.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were honoured at the Project Healthy Minds Gala—an event that celebrates efforts to expand access to mental health resources and reduce stigma around mental illness.
The couple were recognised for their work through the Archewell Foundation, named in honour of their son Archie, which operates under the banner “Show up, do good.”
Meghan was praised as “a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and philanthropist” during the event, while Harry was acknowledged for his advocacy with mental health organisations and his 2021 memoir Spare.
In a joint statement, the couple said: “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 have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honoured to support them.
“We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
In her opening speech, Meghan referenced her children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, noting that while they are “too young for social media,” she and Harry—like many parents—are already thinking about how to protect them from the dangers online.
Harry echoed those concerns, warning that social media represents one of the “most pressing issues of our time,” and highlighted the 4,000 families currently pursuing legal action through the Social Media Victims Law Centre.
He went on to explain that these are families who have suffered irrevocable harm as a result of social media and relate to just one company. In many instances, they are grieving parents taking on some of the largest and wealthiest corporations in the world, he added.
“This is a pivotal moment in our collective mission to protect children and support families in the digital age,” he said.
As part of their ongoing work, the couple’s Archewell Foundation announced that its Parents’ Network initiative is partnering with ParentsTogether, a non-profit organisation focused on family advocacy and online safety.
The announcement came as the Duke issued a warning about “the explosion of unregulated artificial intelligence.”
“As our network grew, we’ve seen the full scope of what we’re facing,” Harry added.
Taking to social media, many praised the couple for receiving the award, but others questioned whether they were the right choice to be honoured.
One user wrote: “There are people who have put their lives literally at risk doing humanitarian work in Gaza. Humanitarians who have been killed.
“But Prince Harry & Meghan Markle get humanitarian of the year award? For what?
“It’s a big club.”
Another individual referenced recent controversy surrounding the African Parks charity, where Prince Harry serves on the board of directors.
The organisation has come under scrutiny after reports that the Chadian government severed ties with the charity, citing serious allegations of financial misconduct and failure to adequately protect wildlife.
“The irony writes itself – giving Harry & Meghan a humanitarian award while their charity is being accused of misconduct & wildlife violations,” they said.
“Nothing says ‘saving the world’ like allegedly mismanaging funds and offending an entire government while raping & torturing the Baka.”
