When Meghan Markle met with parents whose children had been victims of online bullying, she didn’t just offer words of comfort—she embraced them with a warm hug, breaking away from the traditional royal formalities. Accompanied by Prince Harry, Meghan took to Santa Barbara to support these grieving families as part of their new initiative, The Parents Network, under the Archewell Foundation.
In a recent interview with CBS, the couple discussed the launch of this initiative with anchor Jane Pauley. The segment highlighted the Sussexes’ willingness to connect with people on a personal level, with Pauley noting, “Harry and Meghan are definitely big huggers.” This simple act of human connection is not something often associated with the royal family, making it all the more significant.
A Hugger at Heart: Meghan’s Warm Approach
Meghan, who describes herself as a “hugger,” has always preferred a more personal and informal approach, even though it sometimes clashes with royal expectations. In the 2020 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, she recalled how her casual demeanor, including her penchant for hugs, was surprising to some members of the royal family. Meghan reflected on her first meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales, where she was in ripped jeans and barefoot. She didn’t realize that her warmth might be seen as jarring by those accustomed to a more formal way of life.
Despite this, Meghan has continued to embrace her natural approach, even during public appearances like the Invictus Games, where she was photographed hugging participants. Her recent tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry also demonstrated this, as she warmly interacted with the people who came out to meet her, thanking them for their hospitality.
Tackling Online Bullying: The Launch of The Parents Network
The Parents Network is a new branch of the Archewell Foundation, aimed at supporting parents whose children have been affected by online bullying. During the CBS interview, Meghan and Harry met with parents who had lost their children to suicide, many cases linked to social media use. Meghan, who has been open about her own struggles with mental health, expressed her hope that by sharing her story, she could help others.
In the interview, Meghan reflected on her own experiences and the importance of being open about pain and trauma. She shared that she has only “scraped the surface” of discussing the suicidal thoughts she had while a working member of the royal family. By being candid about her struggles, she hopes to encourage others to check in on their loved ones and not assume that everything is okay just because it appears so on the outside.
A Personal Mission: Meghan and Harry’s Commitment to Change
The Parents Network is not just a professional project for Meghan and Harry—it’s deeply personal. The couple, who are parents to young children themselves, Archie and Lilibet, are keenly aware of the dangers that the digital world can pose. They are committed to making a change, not just for their own children, but for all families navigating the complexities of the online space.
The Archewell Foundation’s website describes The Parents Network as a safe and supportive community for parents and caregivers dealing with the impact of social media. The initiative includes resources like guides for Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, repurposed in partnership with The Social Media Victims Law Center. These guides aim to help caregivers improve their children’s safety online.
Moving Forward: Meghan and Harry’s Global Advocacy
Meghan and Harry have consistently raised awareness about the dangers of social media since their move to the United States. Their commitment to this cause extends beyond their foundation, with plans to continue their advocacy on a global scale. They are set to visit Colombia following an invitation from Vice President Francia Marquez, where they will focus on safeguarding young people both online and in physical spaces.
The couple’s recent visit to Nigeria and their upcoming trip to Colombia highlight their ongoing dedication to this issue. Through their work, Meghan and Harry are using their platform to create positive change, offering support to those who need it most and striving to prevent future tragedies.
For those in need of support, resources like the Samaritans in the UK and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US are available to provide help. Meghan and Harry’s work with The Parents Network serves as a reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone.
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