Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made an appearance at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival on October 10, 2025, in New York City, continuing their long-standing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and digital well-being.
The couple, who co-founded the Archewell Foundation, have consistently used their platform to address issues such as mental health stigma, youth empowerment, and the impact of social media on well-being. Their latest engagement in New York reflected these priorities, focusing on meaningful conversations with leaders and advocates from across the mental health community.
Advocating for Youth Mental Health and Digital Safety
The World Mental Health Day Festival, organized by Project Healthy Minds, brought together mental health professionals, advocates, and public figures to explore the challenges and opportunities of supporting youth in a digital world.
Prince Harry and Meghan attended as representatives of their Archewell Foundation, which partnered with Project Healthy Minds to sponsor several discussion panels. These sessions centered on topics such as the rise of online anxiety among young people, responsible social media use, and strategies for building resilience in the face of modern stressors.
Speaking to attendees, Prince Harry emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing mental health challenges that have been amplified by technology and social isolation. He reflected on the lasting effects of the pandemic on emotional health, particularly among children and teens, noting the urgency of creating safer online spaces.
Meghan Markle followed with remarks highlighting the role parents and educators play in promoting balance between online and offline life. She underscored the importance of helping children “just be children” — a theme that aligns closely with Archewell’s ongoing work to protect youth from harmful digital content.
A Compassionate Presence at the Festival
According to multiple attendees and official event coverage, the couple maintained a composed, professional demeanor throughout their time at the festival. They opened panel discussions, greeted participants, and spent time with mental health advocates and youth speakers who shared personal stories about navigating digital pressures.
During one emotional panel, a young speaker recounted her struggle with online bullying and its effects on her self-image. Observers noted Meghan’s supportive and empathetic reaction during the session, as she listened attentively from the audience and spoke privately with participants afterward.
Following the event, the Duke and Duchess met with Phil Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds, and several of the day’s speakers to discuss ongoing initiatives. Their focus on connection and collaboration echoed their broader mission through Archewell — to inspire “a more compassionate and connected world.”
Continuing a Legacy of Mental Health Advocacy
Prince Harry’s advocacy for mental health has been a central theme throughout his public life. As a co-founder of the Heads Together campaign — launched in 2016 alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales — Harry has consistently used his platform to promote open conversations about emotional well-being.
In 2021, he co-produced the Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can’t See with Oprah Winfrey, which spotlighted personal stories of resilience and recovery. Through Archewell, the Sussexes have since supported organizations such as the Mind Foundation, Project Healthy Minds, and various nonprofits aimed at improving access to mental health resources.
Meghan has also been outspoken about her personal experiences with emotional stress and has worked to normalize discussions about mental wellness. Her continued involvement in youth-centered initiatives reflects the couple’s shared goal of promoting early intervention and awareness.
Fashion and Professionalism at the Event
For the World Mental Health Day Festival, the couple kept their attire understated and event-appropriate. Prince Harry opted for a dark suit and tie, while Meghan Markle wore a neutral-toned coat layered over a striped blouse and flared jeans — a relaxed yet polished look that matched the tone of the day’s discussions.
Their presence on stage was described by organizers as “focused and collaborative,” emphasizing professionalism over spectacle. Both delivered opening remarks that set the tone for the panels, which featured mental health advocates, journalists, and youth representatives including Katie Couric and Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist known for his research on technology and adolescent well-being.
The Gala and Humanitarian Recognition
The couple’s participation in the festival followed their attendance at the World Mental Health Day Gala the previous evening, also hosted by Project Healthy Minds. During the gala, they were recognized for their humanitarian contributions and ongoing leadership in promoting global mental health awareness.
The award honored the pair’s advocacy through Archewell and Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation, both of which have contributed to improving access to emotional support for veterans, families, and young people. Presenting the award, attorney and advocate Laura Marquez-Garrett commended their dedication to helping communities impacted by online harms and misinformation.
In her brief acceptance remarks, Meghan expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to using their influence “to make conversations about mental health more open, honest, and hopeful.”
Public and Media Reception
Media coverage of the couple’s appearances largely focused on their continued efforts to elevate mental health discussions. Outlets including People, BBC, and The Guardian highlighted their participation as a reflection of their broader humanitarian work.
Public reaction on social media was mixed but mostly supportive, with many applauding the couple’s consistent advocacy and personal investment in mental health causes. Fans and nonprofit leaders alike praised their involvement in creating safe spaces for conversations about youth and digital health.
Rather than centering on celebrity, their work at the festival underscored how global figures can bring attention to urgent social issues. Many mental health advocates noted that having high-profile supporters helps draw visibility and funding to organizations working to address rising youth anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
A Broader Vision Through Archewell
The Archewell Foundation, established by Prince Harry and Meghan in 2020, aims to “uplift and unite communities through acts of compassion.” The foundation’s initiatives have spanned mental health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and responsible media.
Through partnerships with organizations such as BetterUp, NAACP, and World Central Kitchen, the foundation continues to champion education, emotional well-being, and resilience — especially for young people facing challenges in an increasingly digital world.
Their ongoing collaboration with Project Healthy Minds demonstrates a strategic alignment of goals: improving mental health awareness, supporting preventive care, and amplifying positive social impact.
Looking Ahead
As public figures who have chosen to live outside the formal structures of the British monarchy, Prince Harry and Meghan continue to shape their roles as advocates rather than traditional royals. Their presence at the World Mental Health Day Festival signaled a deepening commitment to the causes they have long championed — using storytelling, philanthropy, and partnership to break stigmas surrounding mental health.
For both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the event was not just about public recognition but about building momentum for change. By highlighting the mental health challenges facing the next generation and supporting evidence-based solutions, they reaffirmed their mission to make emotional well-being a global priority.