Meghan Markle ditches the script, steals the spotlight at NYC Gala

Meghan Markle made a bold, unscripted moment in New York as she accepted the Humanitarians of the Year award alongside Prince Harry at the Project Healthy Minds gala.

Midway through her speech about their initiative, The Parents’ Network, Meghan paused and addressed the audience directly, “If you do get a chance I will go off script here see the Lost Screen Memorial and hear many of their children’s stories tomorrow.

I think it will resonate with you; I hope it will resonate with you in the same way it stayed with us.”

The Lost Screen Memorial, unveiled by the Archewell Foundation, features illuminated smartphones displaying lock-screen photos of children who died due to online harms a solemn tribute to the real costs of digital safety issues.

Earlier in the evening, Meghan and Harry had spoken about The Parents’ Network, their support organization for parents and caregivers whose families have been affected by social media harms.

Their remarks centered on how their work is shaped by their own experiences as parents, and the urgency of building supportive communities in the digital age.

Her impromptu call to action added emotional weight to the gala, reinforcing that their mission isn’t just policy but it’s deeply personal.