Meghan Markle Reflects on How Fast Archie and Lilibet Are Growing as She and Prince Harry Take the Stage in N.Y.C.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry accepted the Humanitarians of the Year award at Project Healthy Minds’ annual gala in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 9, and as they took the stage, it was clear their inspiration comes from their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“Our children, Archie and Lilibet, are just 6 and 4 years old,” Meghan said as she took the stage alongside Harry, pausing for a moment. “Can you believe it?”

She went on to reflect on the challenges parents face in the digital age. “Luckily, they’re still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming,” she continued. “Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against its dangers. And that hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible.”

For his part, Harry told the audience how their Archewell initiative, The Parents Network, supports parents and families impacted by online and social media harm.

“Tonight we’re all here together to focus on what remains one of the most pressing pressing issues of our time…This is a pivotal moment in our collective mission to protect children and support families in the digital age, and we cannot do it without you,” Harry said.

The couple’s remarks highlighted the personal connection behind their advocacy for protecting children online, showing how their parenting experience fuels their commitment to Project Healthy Minds’ mission.

During their acceptance speech, they also spoke for the first time about their Archewell Foundation initiative, The Parents Network, teaming up with ParentsTogether, a national nonprofit focused on advocating for families and online safety.

“We knew this movement needed to grow,” Harry said. “These families are not only up against corporations and lobbyists, many of whom spend tens of millions of dollars every year in suppressing the truth, but also algorithms designed to maximize data collection at any cost.”

Meghan added: “We know that when parents come together, when communities unite, waves are made. We’ve seen it happen and we’re watching it grow and with your support we’ll continue building a safer digital world for all of our children.”

“So on behalf of my husband and I, thank you so much for being here tonight. Thank you all of you for your support and thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work,” she added. The couple then walked off stage together.

Earlier in the evening, Meghan and Harry walked the red carpet, with Meghan in a sleek black suit and Harry looking sharp in a classic black ensemble of his own.

Meghan and Harry were recognized, as co-founders of their Archwell Foundation, for their “commitment to mental health support and building a safer, more equitable digital world for today’s youth and families,” according to a press release shared by Project Healthy Minds prior to the ceremony.

In a statement last month, Harry and Meghan said, “Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honored to support them. We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”

While in New York together —  their first trip back since Meghan was honored at the 2025 TIME100 Summit in April — the couple will also attend Project Healthy Minds’ annual World Mental Health Day Festival on Oct. 10. There, they will join Deepak Chopra, M.D., Boardroom co-founder Rich Kleiman, bestselling author Jonathan Haidt, TV icon Katie Couric, parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy, parent activists and more.

On display at the festival will be the The Lost Screen Memorial, which Meghan and Harry helped introduce during their April visit to NYC. The memorial is made up of 50 smartphones, each displaying the lock screen photo of a child whose life was cut short, stemming from the harmful effects of social media.

“No matter how polarized the world is, or what people may or may not agree on, one thing that we can all agree on is that our children should be safe,” Meghan told reporters at the event. “All of our children should be safe, and I think tonight, all of these stories solidify that.”

“These children were not sick. Their deaths were not inevitable—they were exposed to, and in many cases were pushed harmful content online, the kind any child could encounter,” Harry added. “No child should be exploited, groomed, or preyed upon in digital spaces. To the platforms, they may be seen as statistics. To their families, they were cherished and irreplaceable.”

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It was at the World Mental Health Day Festival two years ago that Harry and Meghan began their own important work with Healthy Minds. Through Archwell, they created the Parents’ Network, for families and caregivers who have experienced the loss of a child due to online harm or bullying. This transformative global support community now spans the U.S., Canada and the UK.

Phillip Schermer, Project Healthy Minds’ Founder and CEO, said, “It is a privilege to honor Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at our World Mental Health Day Gala this year. Their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to advancing mental health awareness have made a profound difference in the lives of so many. We are deeply grateful for their philanthropy and advocacy for a cause that is at the very heart of our mission.”