When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry step out in New York City, it’s never just for the photo op. This October, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are heading to the Big Apple for a set of appearances that blend advocacy, emotion, and yes — a little royal star power.
The couple will be honoured at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala on Thursday, October 9, where they’ll accept the Humanitarians of the Year Award. The recognition is all about their work in mental health advocacy, particularly in making the online world safer for families and young people — a cause they’ve been deeply vocal about since founding the Archewell Foundation in 2020.
ABOVE: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the 2025 TIME100 Summit in New York City on April 23, 2025.
If you’ve been following their journey, this isn’t just another plaque-on-a-wall moment. Archewell has already launched The Parent’s Network, an initiative that connects and supports families affected by online harm. Last year, Meghan and Harry even debuted it at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival, proving that their efforts go beyond press statements.
In their own words, the Duke and Duchess describe this mission as “some of the most meaningful work of our lives.” And honestly? It shows. Whether it’s their Lost Screen Memorial in New York — a haunting tribute to children who’ve lost their lives to the harms of social media — or their constant push to spotlight parents’ voices, there’s a sense that this advocacy is rooted in personal urgency. With Prince Archie (6) and Princess Lilibet (4) watching them at home, the Sussexes’ passion feels as much about family as it is about philanthropy.
ABOVE: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General, at The Archewell Foundation’s Parents Summit “Mental Wellness in the Digital Age” during Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival on Oct. 10, 2023 in New York City.
But the gala is just the opening act. On Friday, October 10, they’ll also roll up to Project Healthy Minds’ fourth annual World Mental Health Day Festival, this time with Archewell stepping in as a co-producer. Expect panel talks, changemakers, and thought-leaders galore — from Deepak Chopra to Katie Couric, with author Jonathan Haidt and parenting expert Dr Becky Kennedy on the line-up too.
Once again, Meghan and Harry are showing us what modern royals look like when the tiaras are swapped for tougher conversations — about kids, screens, and the world they’re inheriting.
