In a world where fame often drowns out meaning, Prince Harry is choosing purpose over pomp.
On June 27, he quietly showed up at the NEXUS Global Summit in New York City—no fanfare, no formal announcement.
But once he spoke, it was clear that his message was anything but quiet.
Stepping Into the Spotlight With a Different Mission
Standing before an audience of young philanthropists and changemakers, the Duke of Sussex opened up about something deeply personal: the evolution of his own sense of service.
“I was born into a life of service,” he shared.
“At first, it felt like something I had to do. Now, it’s something I want to do.”
It wasn’t just a reflection on his royal past—it was a rallying cry.
He encouraged attendees to shift from doing what’s expected to doing what matters.
Leading With Compassion Through Archewell
Harry also spoke about the Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit he co-founded with Meghan Markle.
Their guiding principle is simple: “Show up. Do good.”
He described it as a platform rooted in compassionate leadership, where service is driven not by obligation, but by impact.
“It’s about committing to something greater than ourselves,” he said.
Asking the Bigger Questions About Legacy
Beyond philanthropy, Harry urged the audience to think long-term: “Ask yourself what you want to leave behind,” he said.
“Then align your actions and investments with that vision.”
He didn’t sugarcoat it. The real challenge, he explained, is tackling the systems—not just the surface-level symptoms—that hold people and communities back.
Issues That Hit Close to Home
From mental health and climate change to impact investing, the summit touched on topics close to Harry’s heart.
He made a point to connect his message globally, with a nod to South Africa—where similar issues like youth unemployment and inequality remain critical.
His perspective: solving these problems starts with intentionality, leadership, and a willingness to redefine what service looks like.
Meghan Shares Her Joy at TIME100
Just a few weeks earlier, Meghan Markle appeared at the TIME100 Summit in New York.
Her message was filled with gratitude and grounded joy.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” she said. “To have a partner and husband who is so supportive, and healthy kids who are so joyful…
I never would have imagined at this point I would feel so happy and grateful, and I do.”
Together, Harry and Meghan are carving out a version of public service that feels personal, modern, and sincere.
A Quiet Visit, A Loud Message
Harry’s stop in New York may have been unannounced, but it made waves.
His call to shift from “duty to purpose” is something many young people—whether in New York, Johannesburg, or anywhere in between—are hungry to hear.
It’s a reminder that true leadership isn’t about titles or tradition.
It’s about using whatever platform you have to make real, lasting change.
What Does Purpose Look Like for You?
Harry’s message poses a challenge to all of us: What does “moving from duty to purpose” really mean in your life?