Harry and Meghan crowned Humanitarians of Year at New York gala

Harry and Meghan praised for mental health work at New York gala as they warn of rising social media dangers

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. She described the situation as one where maintaining separation between online and offline worlds is becoming increasingly difficult. Meghan spoke about the importance of building safer digital spaces, particularly for young users exposed to harmful content and algorithm-driven manipulation.

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. Harry also warned about the rise of unregulated artificial intelligence and its connection to online exploitation.

Project Healthy Minds founder Phillip Schermer praised the couple for their global influence, describing their leadership and generosity as transformative in the fight for mental health awareness. The Sussexes have positioned themselves at the forefront of a growing international movement demanding ethical reform in the tech industry and a renewed focus on the emotional wellbeing of families and children worldwide.