Prince Harry speaks on child safety days after father-in-law's arrest
The Duke of Sussex addressed the European Parliament in Brussels while Meghan Markle canceled her scheduled remarks following the detention of Thomas Markle Sr.
By Marco Kapoor ·
Prince Harry spoke about the vulnerability of children in digital spaces on Tuesday, just days after his father-in-law was taken into custody by federal agents. The Duke of Sussex delivered remarks at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial installment at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The event honors children who have lost their lives to online abuse and social media harm.
Harry, 42, focused his address on the complexity of protecting minors in an era of advanced technology. He asked, “How did we reach a point where we can build technology capable of extraordinary things, yet still struggle to make it safe for a child?” He noted that the issue becomes complicated whenever the question of child safety is raised. He clarified that he was not calling for a world without technology, but rather a space where children can discover interests and feel understood without fear.
“They deserve to feel safe wherever they are. In a classroom. On a playground,” Harry said. “At any time, no matter where they are.” The former military pilot emphasized that children deserve to go online and find wonderful things, such as a friend or a passion, while remaining protected.
Meghan, 45, canceled her portion of the speech on Monday. A source told The Telegraph that she was “just not strong enough, emotionally, to be doing any public speaking right now.” The actress’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., was arrested on Friday. He faces charges related to child pornography, involving hundreds, if not thousands, of photos allegedly found in his home and in multiple storage units.
The couple proceeded with their Belgium trip as planned. Branding expert Eric Schiffer told Page Six that canceling the visit to the memorial would have been a debilitating blow to their brand. When they arrived, the pair were photographed holding hands. Meghan wore an all-black ensemble, while Harry wore a suit.
A reporter asked Meghan how she was coping with the legal drama. She stayed silent. She has issued only one statement on the matter, sharing her distress as her father was investigated. In that statement, she explained that her distance from her father was a choice made to protect her children from media distortion and contact.
The arrest of Thomas Markle Sr. occurred on Friday. Harry’s speech took place on Tuesday at the European Parliament. The Lost Screen Memorial installment opened on the same day as his address.
