Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, showcased their commitment to mental health advocacy during the Project Healthy Minds 3rd Annual Gala held at Spring Studios in New York City. The royal couple walked into the event hand-in-hand, looking every bit as regal as they are and on a mission. Meghan was the picture of nautical elegance in her blue and white striped shirt, which she tucked into her navy pants. This ensemble brought to mind her haute couture ensemble at Wimbledon in 2018.
Her smooth updo drawing focus to her strong brows and smokey eye makeup sharpened her overall look. As they worked their way through the gala, Meghan wore 3-inch gold statement studs that dazzled. She wore an armful of bracelets that made her presence even more striking.
The couple’s participation extended beyond mere attendance. Meghan delivered an emotive speech during a panel discussion titled “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an International Mental Health Crisis – and How We Can Reverse It.” Throughout the discussion, she seemed to become emotional as she heard other panellists speak about their experiences.
Meghan really set the tone with that speech. She especially focused on the work of Archewell Foundation’s The Parents Network, which helps guide parents through issues where social media may be concerned. She shared her experiences meeting with families who have suffered immeasurable loss from online harms.
“Three years ago, we had met with families whose world had been absolutely shattered, parents who had lost children to social media-driven suicide, others who had lost so many of their children to struggles with depression, anxiety, self-harm, all inflicted by online harms,” – Meghan
Beyond shedding light on the daily struggles of parents today, she highlighted how the sense of community can be a pillar for families living in grief.
“What we learned in these moments is that these parents, they didn’t just need therapy, they needed other parents who understood their very specific grief,” – Meghan
The Duchess’s personal musings on her own children, Archie and Lili, fired up her speech with a liberating passion. She added that, at six and four years old respectively, they are too young for social media. She acknowledged that this won’t be the case for much longer.
“Our children are just six- and four-years-old. Can you believe it? Luckily, still too young for social media but we know that day is coming, and like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against the dangers,” – Harry
Further, Prince Harry spoke to the audience, pivoting to the bigger picture regarding mental health crises plaguing today’s youth. He was particularly insightful in discussing how the new digital landscape has changed our personal experiences as well as social interactions.
“Our digital world has fundamentally changed how we experience reality, young people exposed to relentless comparison, harassment, misinformation and an attention economy designed to keep us scrolling at the expense of sleep and real human contact,” – Harry
Harry detailed how the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine have contributed to mental health crises around the globe.
“The past five years have taught us painfully that crises rarely arrive in isolation. The global pandemic stripped away the ordinary scaffolding of life and brought a measurable surge in anxiety, depression and loss of connection; war and displacement from Ukraine to Gaza, Sudan to the DRC and many places in between have created waves of trauma for those defending their countries and their way of life, for civilians, for families forced to flee,” – Harry
Meghan’s emotional engagement was on display all evening as she became visibly moved by what she was hearing. Her passion for mental health advocacy was clear when she stated:
“For this next panel we’re going to turn to one of the most urgent questions facing families today: what’s happening to childhood and how and what do we do to allow our children to just be children?” – Meghan
The gala culminated in a momentous occasion as Meghan and Harry were awarded the Humanitarians of the Year Award. Project Healthy Minds recognized them for their trailblazing commitment to destigmatizing and advancing mental health care and support. Their involvement at other events in the days leading up to the gala only amplified the commitment they’re making toward this important cause.
At one notable occasion on the red carpet, Prince Harry playfully showed affection for Meghan by cheekily grazing her bottom, highlighting their close bond amid their serious advocacy work.
