Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of self-harm and abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry presented a united front in Brussels on November 10, making their first joint overseas appearance since returning to the U.K. The couple held hands as they arrived at the European Parliament to unveil the Lost Screen Memorial. Their appearance came four days after Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., was arrested in Florida.
Meghan Markle walks hand-in-hand with Prince Harry for Lost Screen Memorial event in Brussels
For the occasion, Meghan Markle wore a long black coat and kept her hair tied back. Meanwhile, Prince Harry chose a dark suit. The Duchess stayed close to her husband as they walked through the building. However, neither responded when reporters asked about Meghan’s father’s arrest.
One journalist called out, “Meghan, how are you feeling? How are you coping?” Another asked the couple for a comment. Meghan and Harry continued walking without addressing the questions.
The Sussexes’ Brussels appearance focused on a cause the couple has championed for years. They attended the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, a traveling installation honoring 50 children who lost their lives following online harm. The memorial features large smartphone screens displaying photographs of the children. Their families shared the images to highlight the dangers young people can face on social media.
Harry delivered the keynote address, speaking as a father rather than an expert or politician. “My wife, as a mother,” he said, before explaining why they stand alongside families affected by online harm. He also stressed that children deserve to feel safe everywhere, whether in classrooms, playgrounds or online. Later, Harry joined a panel discussion titled “Beyond Promises: Building a Digital Future That Works for Children.”
Meghan was initially expected to deliver remarks alongside Harry. However, her spokesperson confirmed on November 9 that she would attend without speaking. A source told The Telegraph that she was not emotionally strong enough for public speaking. During the event, Meghan listened to Harry’s address and later comforted Sandra Spitaels, whose 15-year-old son Glenn died by suicide after an intimate image was shared online.
Meghan and Harry’s Lost Screen Memorial appearance also marked their first joint overseas engagement since their return to Britain in August. Their previous joint public outing took place in Nottingham on October 15.
For those unaware, Thomas Markle Sr. faces one federal charge related to possessing child sexual abuse material. He has not entered a plea, and the charge has not been proven in court.
