Meghan Markle and Prince Harry marked World Mental Health Day with a memorable event in New York City. During their visit, Meghan displayed a heartwarming preference for hugs, breaking the mold of formal royal protocol in the process.
The couple, renowned for their advocacy on mental health issues, participated in a summit hosted by their Archewell Foundation, a nonprofit organization they established in 2020 with a focus on uplifting communities and fostering a better online world.
Carson Daly, co-host of the Today show, had the honor of moderating a discussion with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the summit. While sharing his experience, he revealed Meghan’s welcoming nature. People were curious about the royal etiquette, but Meghan chose to bridge the gap with open arms, encouraging warm embraces over formality.
Savannah Guthrie, another Today anchor, lauded Meghan’s approach, describing it as “really cool.” This gesture not only made the atmosphere more relaxed but also emphasized the importance of human connection, particularly in discussions about mental health.
A Conversation on Digital Age Parenting
The previous day, Daly engaged in an emotional conversation with Meghan, Harry, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about parenting in the digital age. The couple, who are parents to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, highlighted their commitment to supporting each other and helping other families facing similar challenges.
Harry spoke passionately about turning adversity into purpose. He stressed the need to provide a platform for parents to unite, heal, grieve, and find collective solutions so that no other family has to endure what they have faced.
Meghan’s Motherhood Priorities
The conversation wrapped up with a question from Daly to Meghan about her priorities as a mother. Meghan responded that being a mom was her most important role, alongside being Harry’s wife. She also expressed concerns about how the digital landscape is continually evolving and the potential impact it may have on their children.
The panel’s powerful discussion received a standing ovation, and Meghan and Harry, true to their warm approach, shared heartfelt hugs with Daly and Murthy as they left the stage.
A Surprise School Visit
In addition to the summit, the royal couple made a surprise visit to The Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn, where Meghan’s compassionate nature shone through. She was photographed sharing hugs with students during their school tour and engaging in a roundtable discussion with alumni. Meghan conveyed her admiration for the school community and acknowledged the essential role they play in nurturing young minds.
Archewell Foundation’s Mission
The Archewell Foundation, created by Prince Harry and Meghan, operates on the core belief that mental health and collective well-being are paramount. Their philanthropic work revolves around uplifting communities, building a better online world, and restoring trust in information.
Consistent Advocacy for Mental Health
This isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan have shown their dedication to mental health causes. Over the past few years, they have consistently supported World Mental Health Day, including their participation in the Teenager Therapy podcast, where they spoke to high school students about prioritizing mental health.
In a world where digital connection often overshadows physical embrace, Meghan Markle’s choice to emphasize warmth and human connection on World Mental Health Day serves as a touching reminder of the significance of empathy, understanding, and compassion in the pursuit of improved mental well-being.
