During his recent trip to New York City, Prince Harry took the opportunity to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, at a panel discussion organized by The Diana Award, a nonprofit established in her memory after her tragic passing in 1997.
As part of the Concordia 2024 Annual Summit, at the age of 40, Harry reflected on the impact of mental health issues affecting young people today, a topic he is passionate about, especially after experiencing the loss of his mother at just 12 years old.
Prince Harry at the Concordia 2024 Annual Summit
Joining him on stage were Dr. Tessy Ojo, the CEO of The Diana Award, and two award recipients. Harry expressed heartfelt admiration for the courage displayed by the young award winners, saying:
“I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys, not just you, but all of the award winners.” His words highlighted the legacy of compassion and support that Diana championed throughout her life.
The Duke of Sussex emphasized the importance of mental health, stating, “One of the reasons we are here today is mental health. The fact that it affects every single one of us from top to bottom, from the youngest to the oldest.” He encouraged the young leaders in the audience to continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, asserting that their bravery offers hope for positive change in the world.
Harry’s message was clear: “Thank you for giving me and probably a whole lot of people in this room hope,” he said. “Now we need to listen — constantly listen — and then act on the advice and the vision that you have, because otherwise it’s your future that’s being stolen from you, and that is unacceptable.”
Throughout his visit to New York, Harry has several engagements lined up while his wife, Meghan Markle, remains in Montecito, California, with their two children.
Prior to the panel, he attended a charity dinner hosted by the World Health Organization, where he met notable figures, including Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and actor Forest Whitaker.
As Harry concludes his New York trip, he is set to return to the UK for the WellChild Awards on September 30, marking his first visit home since the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games.