Meghan Markle is already thinking ahead when it comes to protecting her kids in the digital age.
While accepting the Humanitarians of the Year award at Project Healthy Minds’ annual gala in New York City on Thursday, October 9, Meghan made a rare comment about the two children she shares with Prince Harry — Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4 — and reflected on the challenges of raising kids in a world where social media plays such a big role.
“Our children, Archie and Lilibet, are just 6 and 4 years old,” Meghan, 44, said on stage alongside Harry, 41, according to People. She added with a laugh, “Can you believe it?”
Behind the lighthearted moment was a very real concern. Meghan explained that even though Archie and Lilibet are still too young for social media, she and Harry are already thinking about how to keep them safe once that time inevitably comes. “Luckily, they’re still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming,” she continued. “Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against its dangers. And that hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible.”
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The couple has long been outspoken about the dangers of social media and the need for stronger protections for children online. Through their Archewell Foundation’s Parents Network, Meghan and Harry have partnered with the nonprofit ParentsTogether to support families who have been affected by social media harm and to push for more accountability from tech platforms. Their efforts have become a cornerstone of their philanthropic work since stepping back from royal life.
Ahead of being honored at the gala, Meghan and Harry released a joint statement reinforcing how deeply they care about this cause.
“Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives,” they said in September. “As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honored to support them. We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
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Although Meghan and Harry have made a conscious decision to keep Archie and Lilibet’s lives private, the former Suits actress has occasionally opened up about her parenting journey.
During a panel at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival in October 2023, Meghan said, “Being a mom is the most important thing in my entire life — outside, of course, being a wife to this one,” referring to Harry. She added, “But I will say I feel fortunate that our children are at an age, again quite young, so this isn’t in our immediate future, but I also feel frightened at how it’s continuing to change and this will be in front of us.”
