Prince Harry in Brooklyn on April 24, 2025. Photo: Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made an unexpected stop in Brooklyn during his recent New York City trip with Meghan Markle, diving into a cause close to his heart: shaping a safer, more inclusive digital future. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the 40-year-old royal participated in the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund (RTYPF) Convening, a gathering of young leaders and funders dedicated to revolutionizing the tech landscape. The event, hosted by the RTYPF—a philanthropic initiative supported by the couple’s Archewell Foundation—highlighted the power of youth-driven innovation in addressing the challenges of social media and artificial intelligence.

Stepping into a sunlit hotel conference room, Harry surprised a dozen tech-savvy young adults, many of whom didn’t notice his presence until he casually joined their tables for conversation. “Thank God you guys exist, thank God you guys are here,” he told the group, as reported by TechCrunch. His words underscored the urgency of their mission: to prioritize safety and well-being over profit in an era where tech platforms often wield more influence than governments. The Duke’s passion for the cause was palpable, reflecting his and Meghan’s long-standing commitment to digital responsibility through Archewell, a founding member of the RTYPF.

Prince Harry in Brooklyn on April 24, 2025. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

A Personal Connection to the Cause 🤝

Harry’s visit wasn’t just a ceremonial appearance; it was a heartfelt engagement with a generation he believes holds the key to change. Speaking to the group, he praised their “knowledge, skillset, confidence, bravery, and courage” to challenge the status quo. He emphasized the collective responsibility to create online spaces that foster community without compromising safety, a mission that resonates deeply with him as a father to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. “Our kids, especially, are grateful,” Harry has previously said of similar initiatives, noting that young innovators are paving the way for a better digital world for the next generation.

The RTYPF, which Archewell has supported since its inception in 2023, raised $2 million for its second cohort of grantees, including organizations like Encode and AI Consensus. These youth-led groups tackle issues ranging from responsible AI development to combating cyberbullying and protecting human rights online. For instance, Adam Billen, 23, of Encode, shared with TechCrunch how advances in generative AI have made it easier for malicious actors to create harmful content, like AI-generated explicit images, underscoring the need for legislative protections. Meanwhile, Leo Wu, 21, of AI Consensus, works with students and educators to harness AI’s potential for education rather than fear its risks.

Prince Harry in Brooklyn on April 24, 2025. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

A Busy NYC Itinerary 🗽

Harry’s Brooklyn visit came during a packed NYC trip alongside Meghan, who was in the spotlight at the TIME100 Summit on April 23. While Meghan shared her joy and entrepreneurial journey at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Harry quietly made his way to Brooklyn to champion the RTYPF’s mission. The couple’s synergy was evident: Meghan’s public engagements complemented Harry’s behind-the-scenes advocacy, both rooted in their Archewell Foundation’s ethos of “showing up, doing good.”

The RTYPF Convening wasn’t Harry’s first interaction with the fund’s grantees. In 2023, he and Meghan surprised recipients with congratulatory phone calls, expressing gratitude on behalf of their children for their work in creating a safer online world. “It was exciting to share our story,” Tazin Khan, a 2023 grantee, told PEOPLE, reflecting on the couple’s genuine support. This year’s event in Brooklyn built on that legacy, with Harry engaging directly with young leaders to understand their challenges and amplify their voices.

Prince Harry in Brooklyn on April 24, 2025. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

Addressing the Digital Dilemma 🛡️

During the convening, Harry didn’t shy away from tough topics. When asked about advice for parents navigating social media’s impact on children, he offered a sobering perspective: “The easiest thing to say is: Keep your kids away from social media. The sad reality is that kids who aren’t on social media often get bullied at school because they can’t be part of the same conversations.” He advocated for systemic change, urging tech companies to prioritize user safety over profits and encouraging young innovators to lead the charge.

The young attendees, averaging 22 years old, expressed cautious optimism about AI’s potential but voiced concerns about social media’s impact on mental health and privacy. Lydia Burns, 27, of Seek Common Ground, told TechCrunch, “It’s not that the youth are anti-technology,” emphasizing their desire to shape tech responsibly. Harry’s presence validated their efforts, reinforcing that their work is critical to addressing issues like algorithmic bias, digital literacy, and online well-being.

A Legacy of Impact 🌍

Harry and Meghan’s commitment to digital responsibility is a cornerstone of Archewell, launched in 2020 after they stepped back from royal duties. Named for the Greek word meaning “source of action,” the foundation reflects their dedication to uplifting communities both online and offline. Their support for the RTYPF, alongside partners like Pinterest and Pivotal Ventures, has empowered 26 organizations since 2023, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 to fuel youth-led innovation.

As Harry left the Brooklyn event, his message lingered: the courage of young leaders gives him hope for a better future. With Archewell’s backing and his personal investment, the Duke of Sussex is helping ensure that the digital world becomes a safer, more equitable place for all—starting with the next generation.