Fans issue same complaint as Sussexes to receive humanitarian award | Royal | News

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to receive the ‘Humanitarians of the Year’ award at the nonprofit’s World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City later today. The couple are set to receive the award for their work to make the online world a safer place for families and young people.

In 2020, the couple established The Archewell Foundation and, on a mission to “show up, do good”, they launched The Parents’ Network at the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival in 2023. This initiative seeks to support families impacted by the effects of online harm.

Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41, have previously stated that their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, are the inspiration behind their wanting to make the online world a safer place.

Taking to X, many royal fans have criticised the idea that the couple are receiving the award, with some even alleging that Meghan and Harry “paid for” the award, which cannot be bought.

One fan commented: “Cannot believe Project Healthy Mind is giving an award to Harry and Meghan… It seems anyone can buy an award these days.”

A second commented: “Another award Harry and Meghan paid for.”

A third commented: “I’m still laughing that Harry and Meghan have bought another award. This time a Humanitarian of the Year award… you can buy anything in celebrity land.”

Taking to the social media platform, another wrote: “Hopefully [Meghan] can get a refund for the “Humanitarian of the Year” award she purchased [shoulder-shrug emoji].”

In a statement, Meghan and Harry said: “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. 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.”

Harry and Meghan’s award recognises their work, and was not paid for.