Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been named ‘Humanitarians of The Year’ at a glamorous ceremony in New York just hours after his father and brother made a rare appearance in London.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who beamed as they walked hand-in-hand, were honoured at the Project Health Minds mental health gala at a flashy Spring Studios venue.
The former working royals kept their hands locked tightly together, as Meghan lovingly gazed at her husband while they made their way past the flashing cameras and into the event.
It comes just hours after Harry’s estranged brother Prince William put on a united front with King Charles as they made a rare joint public engagement.
The father-son duo arrived at the Natural History Museum in London to attend ‘Countdown to COP30’, after travelling from Buckingham Palace where they had convened beforehand.
The event brings together organisations and individuals tackling the global environmental crisis ahead of the United Nations‘ annual climate change summit in Brazil in November.
Harry too was linked to the environment on Thursday – with the Project Health Minds website describing him as ‘a humanitarian, mental health advocate, environmentalist, and military combat veteran’.
As well as listing Harry’s work with mental health companies, it also mentions his controversial 2021 memoir Spare as being among his achievements.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walked hand-in-hand as they arrived at a glitzy ceremony in New York
The Duchess of Sussex lovingly gazes at Prince Harry as they attend the Project Healthy Minds
The couple are being recognised as humanitarians of the year at the Project Health Minds mental health gala at the flashy Spring Studios venue
It comes just hours after Harry’s estranged brother William put on a united front with King Charles as the father and son made a rare joint public engagement together
They were at the Natural History Museum for ‘Countdown to COP30’, which brings together organisations and individuals tackling the global environmental crisis and nature loss issues
Elsewhere Meghan, is noted to be ‘a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and philanthropist’.
The non-profit also highlights ‘her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread she weaves through both humanitarian and business ventures’.
The ‘festive cocktail’ attire-themed ceremony is also being hosted by Emmy award-winning Today show host Carson Daly.
However, the royal couple’s award comes amid a critical letter being issued by the government of Chad targeting a charity with which the Duke is closely linked.
The country’s environment minister, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, has accused African Parks – which counts Harry among its board members – of financial misconduct and ‘disrespect’.
In a damning four-page letter, Mr Djamous said African Parks had demonstrated ‘a recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude’ towards his government.
The charity, of which Harry was president for six years before he joining its board in 2023, looks after more than 20 protected national parks and reserves in 13 countries on behalf of their governments.
Its backers include famous billionaire investors Warren Buffet and Bill Ackman, and it has counted the EU, WWF and People’s Postcode Lottery among its supporters.
But Mr Djamous has accused it of illegally collecting tourist revenues, using tax-sheltering bank accounts in the Isle of Man and transferring assets abroad in ‘flagrant violation’ of Chad’s banking laws.
The Duke, 41, was this week at the Movember Institute for Men’s Health for a sit-down conversation.
He spoke of how too many men were being raised by algorithms, and how his mental health advocacy was sparked by speaking with veterans after he had finished serving in the British Army.
Meghan Markle beams as she gazes at Prince Harry ahead of tonight’s Project Health Minds mental health gala
The Duchess of Sussex beamed in front of the cameras
The ‘festive cocktail’ attire-themed ceremony is being hosted by Emmy award-winning Today show host Carson Daly
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being recognised as humanitarians of the year at the Project Health Minds mental health gala at the flashy Spring Studios venue
Meghan Markle sported a chic black suit alongside Prince Harry who coupled his formal attire with a tie
The duo clasped each others hands tightly as they posed for pictures on the carpet ahead of the award ceremony
The prince is described on the non-profit start-up company’s website as ‘a humanitarian, mental health advocate, environmentalist, and military combat veteran’
While Meghan is noted as ‘a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and philanthropist’
The couple are all smiles as they prepare to attend the event where they are set to be recognised as humanitarians of the year
The royal couple’s award comes amid a critical letter being issued by the government of Chad targeting a charity with which the Duke is closely linked (Pictured: Prince Harry)
‘I found myself speaking to many veterans and sitting down with them I realised the silence is killing people,’ he said, adding, ‘Stamping out the stigma globally, we’ve come a long way. Access to therapy is still a massive problem.’
In a joint statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 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.’
