Prince Harry, Meghan Markle give emotional speeches during World Mental Health Day summit

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken candidly about a deeply emotional moment during a panel appearance with Prince Harry.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to New York City for the first time since their “near-catastrophic” paparazzi car chase made headlines around the world.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave speeches and appeared on a panel for their non-profit organisation’s first in-person event.

The Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Summit, which was part of the World Mental Health Day activities hosted by Project Healthy Minds, focused on “building community and creating positive change for a safer online world for young people.”

The pair took part in a panel, moderated by TV personality Carson Daly, which also included US surgeon-general Vivek Murthy and parents who had experienced tragic loss, connected to their child’s social media use.

Harry thanked the grieving parents who had joined them for the initiative. Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds

Both Harry and Meghan spoke with emotion as they thanked the grieving parents for being part of the “journey” to help make online communities safer.

“I can’t start without thanking all the parents, the mothers and fathers who are here with us today – for being with us physically here today but also being on this journey with us for the last year and creating this community of shared experience,” Harry told them.

“We know it’s not easy for you to be here.”

Meghan spoke about their own two young children. Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds

Meghan added that she’d been moved to “tears” after first meeting them a year ago.

“We met some of the families … It was impossible to not be in tears, as I’m sure so many of you have been today, hearing these stories,” she said.

“You hear these stories again and again and it still has that same impact, because it’s just that devastating.

“As parents – our kids are really young, two and a half and four and a half – but social media is not going away. I think, by design, there’s an entry point that’s supposed to be positive in creating community – but something has devolved.”

The couple has regularly pushed for action to create safer online communities. Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds

Earlier, they kicked off their World Mental Health Day activities with a surprise visit to Brooklyn’s Marcy Lab School, a post-secondary school for technology-based study.

The couple met with students and faculty members, with Harry telling the group: “Everyone’s got their own story, reason for being here … Your life is still going to be filled with complications and challenges. And if one of you starts to go quiet, doesn’t show up, you need to find out why.”

He then added: “And remember to have fun! It has to be fun.”

Meghan also spoke, discussing the “vulnerability” of being online.

“I think my husband was asking about online spaces because it’s a place where so much community can be built, but there’s also so much vulnerability,” she said.

“There’s a lot of saturation, and as parents, we can be hopeful knowing that your bright minds [are at work], knowing that they will be seen, valued and growing in the right direction. And that’s why it’s so important what you’re doing at The Marcy Lab.”

They made a surprise visit to the Brooklyn school. Picture: Archewell Foundation

In a sweet nod to a previous school visit, Meghan wore a varsity jacket given to her by British pupils during her final solo engagement as a working royal in 2020.

The couple’s appearances on Tuesday came during their first trip to New York City since Meghan was honoured at the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards in May – an accolade quickly overshadowed by the events which unfolded immediately afterwards.

Meghan wore a varsity jacket with special meaning. Picture: Archewell Foundation

The Sussex’s spokesman claimed at the time they were pursued by a “ring of highly aggressive paparazzi” for “over two hours” which resulted in “multiple near collisions” as they left the venue.

The allegations were disputed by some witnesses, including the cab driver involved, sparking controversy.

Meanwhile, Harry’s estranged brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, marked World Mental Health Day on Tuesday with their own high-profile appearance.

The couple ran a forum for young people in Birmingham, in partnership with BBC Radio 1 and charity The Mix, which brought together 100 delegates to take part in workshops.

Kate and William arriving to host the forum in Birmingham on Tuesday. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth-WPA Pool/Getty Images

During the event, Kate praised the work being done to recognise the importance of mental health.

“Today, more people feel empowered to talk about their mental health than ever before. This is a major step forward,” she told the crowd.

“William and I continue to be inspired to see young people, like you all here today, leading this charge – being particularly brave in having some of those conversations yourselves. As a generation, you value and talk more about your mental health than any before you – something we truly admire and applaud.”

In a poignant moment, Kate was spotted wearing jewellery gifted to her by the mother of a girl who died by suicide.

The “Issy Star” earrings were created for the mental health charity Brave Minds in memory of 17-year-old Isobelle Phipps, who died in April.

During the week, William and Kate will continue their recognition of these initiatives with a meeting with university students and first responders, followed by an event to highlight the connection between mental health and sports.