Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the Project Healthy Minds gala in New York City, USA, on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The couple received the Humanitarian of the Year award. A video capturing Harry’s affectionate gesture toward Meghan during the red-carpet appearance quickly spread across social media platforms.
In the footage, Harry places his hand on Meghan’s hip, slightly below her lower back, while posing with Phil Schermer, the founder and CEO of the organization. Meghan responds with a smile, gently guiding his hand upward by linking her arm with his. The clip amassed over 9 million views in hours.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also used the event to address the dangers of social media for young people. Their speeches focused on the impact of digital platforms on mental health.
Details of the viral gesture
The video shows Harry wrapping his arm around Meghan’s waist next to Schermer. Meghan adjusts his hand’s position with a subtle move.
Social media users commented with humor. One user noted Harry knew exactly what he was doing in public.
The clip garnered over 13,000 likes. Fans praised the couple’s evident chemistry.
Award and partnership highlights
The Project Healthy Minds honored Harry and Meghan for their advocacy in creating a safer digital environment. The organization promotes global mental health awareness.
The couple has supported the initiative since 2020. Through their Archewell Foundation, they launched The Parents Network to aid families affected by online harm.
At the gala, they announced a collaboration with ParentsTogether. This partnership aims to expand support for parents navigating digital risks.
The event preceded the World Mental Health Day festival on October 10. The couple continued discussions on youth safety there.
Speeches on digital dangers
Harry highlighted the Social Media Victims Law Center in Seattle. The group represents around 4,000 families who lost children or saw them suffer due to online platforms.
He stated that tech companies can no longer claim unintended consequences. Their accountability is undeniable, he added.
Meghan spoke as a mother of Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4. She addressed the challenge of balancing technology’s benefits with child protection.
- Social platforms use addictive algorithms targeting young users.
- Exposure to harmful content includes violence and explicit material.
- Cyberbullying and online harassment impact millions of teens yearly.
- Studies show inadequate safety measures in popular apps.
The couple urged families to advocate against exploitative practices. They criticized unregulated AI growth.
Sussexes’ ongoing advocacy
Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Since then, they have focused on philanthropy, emphasizing mental health.
They attended similar events in 2023, launching initiatives to combat online harm. Their Archewell Foundation supports youth-focused organizations.
In New York, they met experts like Jonathan Haidt and Katie Couric. Discussions centered on reshaping the digital landscape for children.
Online reactions and reach
Fans split between praising the speeches and joking about the gesture. One follower highlighted Harry’s charming smile.
Another noted the couple’s clear affection in the video. The clip trended widely across platforms.
The gala took place at Spring Studios. Celebrities like Savannah Guthrie attended.
The couple plans further advocacy in 2025, pushing for global regulations.