Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise video appearance at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, held on November 7.
Sporting red poppy pins to commemorate the upcoming Remembrance Day in the UK, the couple spoke urgently about the growing need for child safety on the Internet.
Meghan and Harry’s Call for Online Child Safety
In the video message, they highlighted a reality that concerns them: today’s children are more connected than ever, but face unprecedented dangers in the digital world.
In their address, Meghan and Harry highlighted how digital violence impacts children’s physical and mental well-being, calling for stronger protections to combat this form of abuse.
“We are at a crossroads,” Prince Harry stated, explaining that the current moment demands a shift from mere awareness to impactful action. He emphasized that while the risks to children have always been there, the challenge has become more urgent as technology evolves.
Meghan added her perspective, noting that while technological advances offer countless benefits, they also create new dangers.
“My husband and I recognize that today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives. However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age.”
Through their Archewell Foundation, Meghan shared, they have connected with families, young people, and experts globally to explore how online violence is reshaping children’s lives.
The Duke and Duchess launched The Parents Network as part of their ongoing commitment to making the digital world safer.
This initiative, introduced earlier in the year, aims to provide parents with tools and support to help them navigate and counteract online harms their children may face.
“Supporting parents is essential in reducing digital violence against children,” Harry remarked, underscoring the importance of family involvement in protecting young lives online.
For the occasion, Meghan wore a Ralph Lauren cashmere jacket with a navy blue top and her Ariel Gordon earrings.