Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced their first international trip since moving back to the U.K. The Sussexes are reportedly heading to Brussels. The news comes amid serious allegations surrounding Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., and his alleged possession of CSAM, which have recently come to light.
The couple will speak at a Brussels memorial honoring children lost to online harms
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will visit Brussels next week, on November 10, to open the Lost Screen Memorial. For those unversed, the Sussexes previously launched the installation, which paid tribute to child victims who lost their lives due to the harms of social media, in New York City in April last year.
The Duchess of Sussex then travelled to Switzerland in May this year to bring the Lost Screen Memorial to Geneva’s Place des Nations (via PEOPLE). The Lost Screen Memorial consists of 50 smartphone screens. Every screen showcases the lock screen photo of a child who lost their life due to the harmful effects of social media.
This is done with the consent of the parents, who are members of the Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network. Harry and Meghan are set to give a keynote address in the Belgian capital, advocating for the need for safer online spaces. Additionally, the Duke of Sussex will partake in a panel discussion in Belgium titled “Beyond Promises: Building a Digital Future That Works for Children.”
The update hardly comes as a surprise for fans, as the Sussexes have always spoken about the importance of creating safer online spaces for children. The Brussels trip marks Harry and Meghan’s first public appearance following reports that Philippine authorities are investigating allegations that her father possessed CSAM.
Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations. The investigation is ongoing, and no guilt has been established as of now. A friend of the Suits star talked about the Duchess’ current mental state to PEOPLE, saying: “It’s been really difficult. She’s really cut up. She has young children, and I think that, alongside the victims, is just weighing on her mind. It’s traumatic.”
