On a crisp October evening in New York City, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—better known to much of the world as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—stepped onto the red carpet at Spring Studios, hand in hand and beaming. The occasion? The annual Project Healthy Minds gala, a gathering that brings together cultural, artistic, business, and civic leaders to champion mental health awareness and the transformative power of community. This year, the event held special significance: Harry and Meghan were being honored as Humanitarians of the Year for their advocacy and leadership in the mental health space, especially around the challenges facing parents and children in the digital age.
The gala, held on October 9, 2025, was more than just an awards ceremony. According to HELLO!, guests were welcomed with a cocktail reception and an immersive artistic installation by Keith Lissner, setting the tone for an evening that blended creativity with urgent conversation. As attendees—including Kalen Jackson, Owner & Chief Brand Officer of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts—settled in for a dinner of seabass and filet mignon, anticipation built for the awards presentation. The night was hosted by Carson Daly, the familiar face from NBC’s The Voice and The TODAY Show, who brought his own story of struggle and resilience to the stage.
“In fact, I literally thought something was wrong with me. I thought my brain was broken,” Daly shared, describing his years suffering in silence from generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks, even experiencing his first attack live on television. “Since then, I’ve learned something incredibly valuable. When you share your story, you give other people permission to share theirs.” His candor set a powerful example for the evening, underlining the importance of openness and solidarity in tackling mental health stigma.
Music performances from Lukas Graham and Alexander Stewart punctuated the event, but the spotlight was firmly on Harry and Meghan as they took the stage for their highly anticipated acceptance speech. The couple, whose Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network has become a leading voice for families advocating a safer digital landscape, spoke with emotion and urgency about the challenges facing children and parents in today’s technology-saturated world.
Meghan opened with a personal touch, referencing their two young children: “Our children Archie and Lili are just six- and four-years-old. Can you believe it? Luckily still too young for social media but we know that day is coming, and like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against the dangers.” According to HELLO!, Harry stood by, visibly moved, as Meghan’s words resonated with many in the audience. The couple’s concerns about digital safety are hardly unique, but their public platform amplifies a message that is increasingly urgent for families everywhere.
Prince Harry, who has long been candid about his own mental health struggles, didn’t hold back. “Knowledge is power, and community is strength,” he declared, as reported by USA TODAY. “Expanding the parents’ movement and supporting them throughout is how real change happens.” He went on to acknowledge the progress made in destigmatizing mental health issues but pointed out a persistent challenge: “Access to therapy is still a massive issue.”
The couple’s speech turned a sharper edge when addressing the broader forces at play in the digital ecosystem. Harry condemned corporations and lobbyists who “spend tens of millions of dollars in suppressing the truth,” and algorithms “designed to maximize data collection at any cost.” The message was clear: while technology can be a force for good, unchecked corporate interests and opaque digital systems pose real threats to the well-being of children and families.
Meghan, meanwhile, emphasized the power of united action: “We know that when parents come together, when communities unite, waves are made. We’ve seen it happen. We’re watching it grow. And with your support, we’ll continue building a safer digital world for all our children.” The audience responded with a standing ovation, a testament to the couple’s ability to connect their personal journey to a broader movement for change.
Their advocacy didn’t stop at the gala. Earlier in the week, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at a Movember panel focused on men’s mental health in America, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. The discussion, anchored by new research from the global nonprofit, delved into the state of men’s wellbeing—especially among young men—and the role social media plays in exacerbating issues of identity and loneliness. Harry, sporting his now-signature beard, admitted, “I even grew my beard to act as a shield of protection in my own life.”
He shared insights from his conversations with young men: “The same struggles keep coming up, which tells me that the weight they carry isn’t uncommon. The biggest barrier is the belief that no one will understand. Loneliness convinces you you’re the only one, which is rarely true.” According to USA TODAY, Harry’s comments reflected a growing awareness among experts of what some have called the “male loneliness epidemic.”
But is loneliness really a gendered crisis? A January 2025 Pew survey cited by USA TODAY found that 16% of men and 15% of women report feeling lonely all or most of the time. The real difference, experts say, lies in how men and women seek support. Women are more likely to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals, while men often hesitate. A 2021 Survey Center on American Life poll showed only 1 in 5 men had received emotional support from a friend in the past week, compared to 4 in 10 women. And just 25% of men had told a friend “I love you” recently, versus 49% of women. The numbers hint at cultural patterns that still need to be addressed, even as public figures like Harry work to break the silence.
Back at the gala, the mood was one of hope mixed with determination. The Project Healthy Minds event, driven by a Millennial and Gen Z-focused nonprofit, reflects a generational shift in how mental health is discussed and prioritized. By honoring Harry and Meghan—not just for their celebrity, but for their substantive work with parents and communities—the organization spotlighted the urgent need for cultural change around mental health and technology.
The evening wrapped up with a sense of momentum. As guests mingled and reflected on the night’s conversations, the message was clear: community, openness, and advocacy remain the pillars for shaping a safer, healthier digital world. For the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the recognition was both a celebration and a call to action—one that, judging by their words and deeds, they intend to answer with vigor.