Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a rare appearance on the red carpet in New York City, attending the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala on Thursday, October 9. The couple arrived at Spring Studios looking elegant and coordinated, with Meghan wearing a stylish black suit designed by Armani and Harry opting for a classic black ensemble that complemented her look. Meghan accessorized her outfit with a chunky gold chain necklace and wore her hair in a chic ponytail.
This high-profile event follows Meghan’s recent participation in Paris Fashion Week, where she showcased her fashion sense at the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4.
As previously reported by PEOPLE in September, Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, were honored with the Humanitarians of the Year Award during the gala. The award recognizes their efforts to create a safer and more equitable digital environment for families and young people, alongside their ongoing work to promote mental health awareness globally.
The couple’s commitment to mental well-being is exemplified by the Archewell Foundation, which they co-founded in 2020 with the mission to “show up, do good.” A significant project initiated by the foundation is The Parents’ Network, launched at the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival in 2023. This network serves as a support community for parents and caregivers whose children have suffered harm from social media, including those who have experienced near-fatal incidents or lost a child due to online dangers.
Since its inception two years ago, The Parents’ Network has seen considerable expansion across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, reflecting the importance of community support and healing during these challenging times.
In their acceptance of the Humanitarians of the Year Award, Harry and Meghan expressed their dedication to prioritizing online safety for families and youth. “Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honored to support them,” they stated.
Additionally, they emphasized their long-standing partnership with Project Healthy Minds, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health issues in today’s society. “We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time,” they added.
The gala, hosted by Carson Daly, marked the Duke and Duchess’ first return to New York City since April, when Harry accompanied Meghan to discuss her business ventures and her brand, which was highlighted at the 2025 TIME100 Summit. During that visit, Meghan also spoke about the importance of setting boundaries for her mental health and well-being.
The couple’s trip included a private vigil at The Lost Screen Memorial, unveiled by The Archewell Foundation. This poignant memorial features 50 illuminated smartphones, each displaying the lock screen photo of a child whose life was tragically ended due to online harms. These images were shared by members of The Parents’ Network, further emphasizing the need for awareness and support in addressing social media dangers.
Overall, the evening at the World Mental Health Day Gala not only showcased Harry and Meghan’s commitment to advocating for mental health and safety online but also highlighted their larger mission through their charitable efforts, reflecting their dedication to making a meaningful impact in the world.
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