Prince Harry and Meghan Markle receive the award for Humanitarians of the Year at the Project Healthy Minds Gala 2025. This award is meant to honor their tireless efforts and achievements as voices for mental health. The action taken on the ground on that day, October 10th, 2025. It just so happened to fall during the World Mental Health Day Festival in New York City.
At the start of the three-day festival, Markle shared a deeply personal message on the main stage, calling for more awareness, education and mental health support. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex engaged in many broader conversations about mental health. This level of engagement truly reflects the depth of their commitment to creating a positive impact.
Their Archewell Foundation has also recently rolled out The Parents’ Network. This vital community of support plays an important role in protecting and empowering parents to rescue their children from the damaging effects of online hurt. Toney and Brandy Roberts, community managers for The Parents’ Network, have benefitted from the Duke and Duchess’s support for approximately three years.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined forces with ParentsTogether. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing families with accessible resources and news. Through their collaboration, they hope to educate parents and create a safer digital landscape for kids.
Toney Roberts shared his insights, stating, “They use their status for good, and that’s what people around the world need to realize.” He offered particular thanks to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their emotional support. Their participation has allowed him to relate more freely with other people that can relate to what he’s going through.
“If it’s not me, it’s my wife and the kids, but their support has helped me become more open to talking about how I feel to other men and women, other families that again, I normally would never have met,” said Toney. “But it’s because of Harry and Megan that this is all possible.”
Brandy Roberts praised the couple’s compassionate approach, remarking, “They come and give us this nice hug, and [it] just lets us know that we’re heard.” That feeling is one shared with all of us who have seen our communities flourish thanks to their advocacy and groundwork.
Katie Couric calls Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “mental health royalty” for their amazing commitment to mental health. She stressed that they are actually doing the work rather than just talking the talk.
In a rousing keynote speech at the festival, Prince Harry touched on all of this and more. He underscored the urgency of working together to address the growing crisis of mental health needs.
“Together, we can and we will build the movement that all families and all children deserve,” stated Markle during her address.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took a special interest in Toney and Brandy Roberts during their visit to the festival. This new collaborative experience deepened their relationships with families affected by online harm. Their smiles and involvement are a wonderful reminder of a real commitment to building positive relationships in the community.
