‘Unacceptable’: Solo Harry gives passionate speech in NYC

Harry has given a passionate speech in NYC, after kicking off his high-profile visit without wife Meghan Markle.

IN LONDON

Prince Harry has given a passionate speech about the future as his high-profile solo visit to New York City got underway.

On Monday, Harry took the stage during the Concordia Annual Summit to discuss mental health and climate change with two young winners of a legacy award given in his late mother’s memory.

The duke, who said Diana would be “proud” of the honourees, was asked during the panel what gives him hope for the future, and pointed to the work of the “younger generation”.

“The courage you have gives me hope,” Harry told the award recipients in an emotional moment.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speaks onstage during the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit at Sheraton New York Times Square on September 23, 2024 in New York City. Picture: Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit

“Everyone of us needs courage to move the dial in this world, probably more than ever. We need to listen and act on what you say because it is your future that will be stolen and that is unacceptable.”

Over the weekend, he kicked off the trip with an appearance at a lavish dinner, while his wife Meghan Markle remained home in California.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, rubbed shoulders with other well-known figures including Belgium’s Queen Mathilde at the exclusive World Health Organisation event, which was in recognition of survivors of childhood violence.

Meghan and Harry took part in a mental health event in NYC together last year - but this time, the duke is travelling solo. Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

While in Manhattan, Harry is also set to meet with conservation group African Parks, landmine charity The Halo Trust and Travalyst.

The duke’s visit coincides with the UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week.

His solo outing comes after he also attended Kevin Costner’s annual charity event alone, with reports his wife cancelled at the last minute after falling ill.

Harry presented an award to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot Loren Courtney at Kevin Costner’s charity event. Picture: Getty Images

Next week he is again scheduled to return to London by himself and present an award at the annual WellChild Awards, an organisation he has been associated with for 16 years. The Duchess of Sussex will skip the event for the second time in a row.

However, it will be Harry’s second visit back to his home country in just a matter of weeks after he flew in for his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’ funeral last month.

Despite Harry’s impending return to the UK, there’s been no confirmation of whether he will see King Charles while he’s here.

Given his estrangement from Prince William, it’s highly unlikely a meeting between the brothers would even be considered – but Harry has been in contact with his father throughout his cancer diagnosis and treatment this year. However, it’s understood the King will be in Scotland while his son is back in England next week.