Prince Harry delivered a sobering reflection on modern society’s relationship with technology during his appearance at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival in New York on October 10, 2025. The Duke of Sussex took the stage to address what he described as the fundamental ways digital platforms have altered human perception and experience.
Speaking before an audience at Spring Studios, Harry introduced the festival’s opening session titled “Thriving or Surviving: How Are Young People Doing in the Digital Age?” His remarks centered on the profound changes society has undergone since the pandemic began five years ago, particularly regarding mental health and digital connectivity.
The duke emphasized how the global pandemic stripped away ordinary life structures and brought measurable increases in anxiety, depression, and social disconnection. His comments reflected on lessons learned during this transformative period, as communities worldwide grappled with unprecedented isolation and increased reliance on digital platforms for connection and information.
Harry’s appearance was part of a broader New York visit with wife Meghan Markle, during which the couple focused on mental health advocacy and youth safety initiatives. The Archewell Foundation sponsored three panels at the festival, concentrating specifically on mental health crises among young people and online safety concerns.
Following Harry’s introduction, Meghan took the stage separately to introduce the second panel discussion. She addressed what she characterized as one of the most urgent questions facing families today regarding childhood experiences and allowing children to simply be children in the digital age. The panel, moderated by Katie Couric, explored “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an International Mental Health Crisis, And How We Can Reverse It.”
Observers noted the couple’s professional demeanor during the event, with one audience member describing their interactions as notably businesslike. The same observer remarked on the absence of crowds typically associated with royal appearances, characterizing the atmosphere as subdued compared to previous public engagements.
The festival appearance followed the couple’s attendance at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala the previous evening, October 9, where they received the Humanitarians of the Year Award. The recognition cited their leadership and generosity in making significant differences in numerous lives through their advocacy work.
According to witnesses, Harry appeared to experience discomfort during his speaking engagement. “He obviously hates speaking in front of a crowd,” one attendee observed, noting the duke’s apparent anxiety during the presentation. The same observer suggested Harry seemed affected by what they perceived as a wrong turn in his life trajectory.
The New York trip represented part of the couple’s continued focus on mental health advocacy, particularly regarding young people’s experiences with digital technology and social media platforms. Their foundation has been privately supporting families affected by social media-related tragedies, according to attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett, who presented their humanitarian award.
During their stay, Harry and Meghan socialized with prominent figures including tennis champion Serena Williams and musician Ed Sheeran. The couple was spotted leaving Soho House after dining with Sheeran on October 12, demonstrating their continued connections within entertainment and sports circles.
Meghan later documented their New York experience through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes footage that included Harry in casual attire at their accommodations. The videos showed the couple’s more relaxed moments away from official events, including typical New York experiences like eating pizza and exploring the city.
The mental health focus during their New York visit aligns with Harry’s long-standing advocacy work in this area, including his involvement with various charitable organizations addressing trauma, veterans’ issues, and youth mental health concerns. The couple has consistently emphasized these causes through their Archewell Foundation since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020.
Their appearance at the festival occurred amid ongoing discussions about digital technology’s impact on young people’s mental health, a topic that has gained increased attention from parents, educators, and policymakers worldwide. The event brought together experts, advocates, and families affected by these issues to explore potential solutions and support systems.