Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves under fire once again after delivering a video message at the United Nations (UN) conference in Colombia. In their message, the couple declared that “we are at a crossroads” when it comes to ensuring the safety of children online. While their speech highlighted important issues surrounding digital risks and the need for better protections for children in the digital age, their appearance has sparked backlash from critics who accuse the pair of self-promotion and the continued use of their royal titles for commercial gain.
Image credits: archewell
Raising Awareness on Digital Safety for Children
In their first public appearance together in months, Harry and Meghan used the UN platform to emphasize the growing threats that children face online, from cyberbullying to data exploitation. Their message was delivered as part of the Archewell Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote safer digital environments for young people. The couple has increasingly focused on this issue through their foundation, advocating for stronger regulations and more accountability for tech companies in protecting children’s well-being on the internet.
Image credits: archewell
Image credits: archewell
During the video message, Harry warned of the dangers of failing to address the risks children encounter online, calling for a collaborative effort to create a safer digital world. Meghan echoed his concerns, stating that the time to act is now, or we risk endangering future generations.
Credits: Youtube
Criticism and Accusations of Self-Promotion
Despite their good intentions, the couple’s appearance has been met with criticism from detractors who argue that Harry and Meghan are once again using their royal titles and influence for personal gain. Many critics have pointed out that while the cause is undeniably important, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s involvement often attracts more attention to themselves than the issue at hand.
Critics took to social media to accuse the couple of leveraging their platform for self-promotion, with some suggesting that their efforts are part of a larger strategy to maintain their public image and relevance. The backlash stems in part from the perception that Harry and Meghan frequently use their titles, despite stepping down as working members of the British royal family in 2020, to enhance their commercial ventures and influence.
Continued Use of Royal Titles
Much of the criticism directed at Harry and Meghan revolves around their continued use of their Duke and Duchess titles. Though they are no longer active members of the royal family, they have kept their titles, which some see as problematic when used in their various public and commercial projects. Critics argue that their ongoing use of royal status blurs the line between philanthropy and self-serving promotion, suggesting that the couple is leveraging their royal connections to further their own brand and business ventures, including their work with the Archewell Foundation.
Image credits: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Image Credits: Getty Images
This latest video message has reignited the debate, with detractors calling on Harry and Meghan to step back from using their titles in the context of global advocacy, especially when speaking on issues as critical as child safety.
Image Credits: Getty Images
Archewell Foundation’s Mission
Regardless of the controversy, Harry and Meghan have made digital safety for children a central part of the work carried out by their Archewell Foundation. Through partnerships and advocacy, they have highlighted the harmful impact of social media, online bullying, and digital exploitation on children’s mental health and development.
Image credits: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation/Getty Images
Their video appearance at the UN conference in Colombia is in line with the foundation’s mission to drive positive change in the digital space, particularly for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. While their message was intended to shine a light on these pressing concerns, the surrounding controversy has once again overshadowed their efforts.
Image credits: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation/Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s call to action on child safety online at the UN conference comes at a time when the risks children face on the internet are a growing concern for many. However, their message has been marred by criticism, with detractors accusing the couple of self-promotion and commercializing their royal titles. As the debate over their public roles continues, the urgency of the issues they are raising remains clear—digital safety for children is a matter that requires attention, collaboration, and, ultimately, solutions.
Yet, as Harry and Meghan continue their advocacy, they face the ongoing challenge of separating their philanthropic efforts from the public’s perception of their personal and commercial interests.
