Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in more than three months, as the Sussexes shared a new video message tonight.
Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, wore dark jackets with poppy brooches on their lapels in a video message about online violence against children, a cause that is deeply important to them.
Meghan’s navy jacket is inspired by Ralph Lauren’s crepe wool Parker jacket.
After his two-minute speech, they shared a sweet moment as Harry lovingly hugged Meghan.
The video message was played at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on violence against children in Colombia, as the Duke and Duchess called for greater protection for “the most vulnerable in our world” against the threat of digital violence and harm.
Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, wore dark jackets with poppy pins on their lapels, in a video message about online violence against children.
Their last official appearance together was in August, when Harry and Meghan embarked on a four-day tour of the South American country.
The new video message appears to have been filmed in California, where the Sussexes reside with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Harry opened his speech at the inaugural ministerial conference on ‘ending violence against children’ by saying: ‘We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident.
“While the need has always been evident, now is the time to translate that awareness into meaningful action.”
Meghan added that while “increased connectivity and advanced technology” have obvious advantages, they also “require us to better understand how digital violence against children will manifest” in 2024.
He continued: “At the Archewell Foundation, we collaborate with young people, families and experts around the world to learn how every aspect of a child’s life – from their livelihood to their physical and mental well-being – now operates within an online economy. that has the power to both shape and warp our connections.’
Harry and Meghan launched Parents’ Network, an online campaign aimed at tackling the harm done to children online, in August this year.
Their initiative aims to help provide a “safe and supportive community (that) is available to all caregivers navigating the complex digital world.”
Harry opened his speech by saying: “We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident.”
Meghan added that “advanced technology… requires us to better understand how digital violence against children manifests itself.”
According to the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation website, this group includes those who “have first-hand knowledge of the pain and destruction caused by social media use.”
Speaking about the Parents Network on Thursday, November 7, Harry described it as a “support network for families facing online harm”.
She continued, “Through trauma-informed practices, we help parents come together to forge strong bonds, offering healing support across the community with the ultimate goal of prioritizing safety at the source.”
Meghan added that while it is important for parents to “set rules around technology use and access,” it is imperative to formulate rules and regulations that “prioritize children’s safety.”
Prince Harry ended his message with an urgent call to action: “Young people are asking for help. Families are desperately seeking support.
‘They urge us to take advantage of the resources in this room to confront the new reality facing our young people.
‘We look forward to the actions and results of the discussions that will take place here in Colombia, and we appreciate the leadership, experience and testimonies that will come together in this room to address all forms of violence directed at the most vulnerable in our country . world.’
Meghan added: “Together we can seize this moment to drive lasting change.”
Harry and Meghan gave their first interview together in three years in August, when they sat down with CBS News host Jane Pauley to discuss the Parents’ Network initiative.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were interviewed on CBS Sunday Moring about the dangers of social media and suicidal ideation.
During the interview, the couple said they want to “be a part of the change forever” when it comes to the “online space.”
The campaign, which carries the slogan #NoChildLostToSocialMedia, includes a video that was posted on the Foundation’s website and features parents who have lost their children to suicide due to online harm.
Additionally, a list of three guides has been posted on the site, each addressing a social media platform, including Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The site describes the guides as “repurposed in partnership with The Social Media Victims Law Center.”
Compiled using information from the Center’s online social media guides, they include information about what each platform is used for and how caregivers can “improve their children’s safety” while using them.
Earlier this year, Harry and Meghan posted a clip urging social media companies to restrict the amount of harmful content children see online.
On January 31, they posted video of their appearance at a World Mental Health Day debate in New York in October last year.
They posted the video on their Archewell website after a US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on child online safety took place yesterday in Washington, and saw politicians warn the social media giants: ” “They have blood on their hands.”
Harry and Meghan’s last official appearance together was in August, when they embarked on a four-day tour of Colombia.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on a stylish show before hosting a World Mental Health Day event in October 2023.
In the video, posted with a statement about online child safety, Meghan said: “When the car was invented, there was no seat belt. And what happened? People started getting hurt, people started dying. Then you started changing the car.
Harry says: “We need to get out of this idea that there is something wrong with little children.” No, it is the world we allow to be created around us. Please stop sending children content that you don’t want your own children to see.”
The video dates back to October 10 last year, when the Sussexes urged social media companies to reduce the amount of harmful content children see online to protect their mental health.
Harry and Meghan made the remarks at a mental health awareness festival organized by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds in New York.
The royal couple, who have spoken out about their own mental health issues, participated in a panel discussion alongside US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy moderated by NBC host Carson Daly, who discussed his struggle with anxiety.
The event, celebrated on World Mental Health Day 2023, was coordinated by the Archewell Foundation.
The couple called on social media companies to adopt better content moderation policies and modify apps that can be addictive to young people.
They spoke out after hearing from parents who lost their children to mental health issues related to social media use.
The Duke urged tech bosses to “stop sending children content they wouldn’t want their own children to see”.
Taking to the stage at the event, Meghan admitted that some of the “devastating” stories shared by parents taking part in the summit had left her in tears.
Meanwhile, Harry thanked all the mothers and fathers who came forward to speak out about the losses they have suffered.
The duchess said she and her husband are focusing on what they can do behind the scenes to make social media use “safer, better and more positive” and that the couple has spoken to technology executives about the issue.
He added: ‘People are being hurt and, especially, children, are dying.
‘A year ago we met some of the families, not all. At that moment, it was impossible not to cry, as I’m sure many of you have heard these stories today.
‘As parents, our children are very young (they are two and a half and four and a half years old), but social networks are not going to disappear.
“I think that, by design, there is an entry point that is supposed to be positive, in creating a community and something has evolved, and there is no way to listen to that and not try to help these families make their stories heard”.
