Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were honored with the Humanitarians of the Year Award at Project Healthy Minds’ annual gala in New York City on Thursday night.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were recognized for their commitment to mental health support and for helping create a safer, more equal digital world for young people and families.
While accepting the award, Meghan spoke about their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are now 6 and 4 years old. “Can you believe it?” she said, smiling. Meghan reflected on how fast they are growing and discussed the challenges parents face in today’s digital world.
“Luckily, they’re still too young for social media,” she said. “But we know that day is coming. Like so many parents, we think about how to use technology’s benefits while protecting our kids from its risks.”
Prince Harry spoke about their Archewell Foundation initiative, The Parents Network, which supports families impacted by online harm. “This is a pivotal moment to protect children and support families in the digital age,” he said.
During their speech, the couple also announced a new partnership between The Parents Network and ParentsTogether, a nonprofit that advocates for families’ safety online. Meghan said, “When parents come together, when communities unite, waves are made. With your support, we’ll keep building a safer digital world for all children.”
Earlier in the evening, Meghan wore a sleek black suit while Harry appeared in a classic black tuxedo as they walked the red carpet at Spring Studios.
Project Healthy Minds CEO Phillip Schermer praised the couple’s dedication, saying their advocacy for mental health and online safety “has made a profound difference in many lives.”
The couple will remain in New York to attend World Mental Health Day Festival on October 10, joining speakers such as Deepak Chopra, Katie Couric, and Jonathan Haidt.
Their ongoing work with Project Healthy Minds also includes The Lost Screen Memorial, an installation honoring children whose lives were lost due to social media-related harm.
“No matter how divided the world is, we can all agree that our children should be safe,” Meghan said. “These stories remind us why this work matters.”
