Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to travel to Brussels next week for a brief visit to the European Parliament. The couple will listen to addresses by EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola and MEP Antonio Lopez-Isturiz, first vice-chair of the Child Rights Intergroup, before delivering their own speech.
Joint Keynote at Lost Screen Memorial
In Brussels, the Sussexes will deliver a joint keynote address at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial in the European Parliament. This is expected to be their first public appearance since Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, was reported to police in the Philippines and the FBI over an alleged haul of child sexual abuse images. He denies the allegations, calling them "sick lies".
The Lost Screen Memorial was created by Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation to commemorate children who have lost their lives as a result of harm suffered on social media. It was unveiled in New York last year and taken to Geneva earlier this year, where Meghan gave a speech.
Speech Focus on Online Harm
In their speech, the Sussexes are expected to draw on their experiences of talking to families affected by online harm. Their remarks will "underline the importance of turning commitments into meaningful action and ensuring that the experiences of children and their families remain central to decisions about the digital future".
Afterwards, Harry will join a panel discussion in the European Parliament considering how children can be protected online. The panel will cover topics including the responsibilities of tech companies and preventing online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Return to the UK
Prince Harry and Meghan moved back to the UK at the end of August after six years living in the USA. The couple, who are no longer working royals, have continued to champion causes close to their hearts.
In a firm letter issued on behalf of Charles, it stated that the Sussexes should not use their HRH styles, which are still in abeyance, and that they "do not represent the sovereign" while making public appearances. The couple left their royal duties in 2020.
