Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, recently surprised attendees at a panel discussion hosted by The Diana Award in New York City, where he shared insights on how young people can thrive in an evolving professional landscape. During his unexpected appearance, the 42-year-old royal cleverly lightened the mood with self-deprecating humour, remarking on his age in relation to the younger participants present.
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The panel, titled “Beyond Skills: Investing in the Next Generation for the Future of Work,” took place on 23 September 2026, and focused on the critical skills necessary for youth as they navigate the rapidly changing world of work. Despite being an unannounced addition to the event, Harry quickly engaged the audience, eliciting laughter with his candid remarks about no longer being a “spring chicken.” Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, described the atmosphere, saying, “Everyone was saying he was so funny. He cracked jokes on the panel.”
Harry’s appearance was part of a busy two-day schedule in New York, during which he participated in various events relating to his philanthropic interests, including youth empowerment, mental health, and environmental conservation. Ojo noted the initial shock of the young attendees when the Duke joined the panel, expressing that he was in excellent spirits and contributed significantly to making the environment welcoming and comfortable.
As a panellist, Prince Harry joined Ojo and Karen Pavlin from ServiceNow, alongside young leaders like Oyinda Adeniyi, a recipient of the Diana Award in 2023, and Robbie Neumann, who works in operations at ServiceNow. While the discussion included lighter moments, it also addressed serious topics. When Neumann spoke about his mental health challenges, Harry emphasised the importance of sharing personal experiences, stating, “Robbie, just you saying what you’ve shared in a room full of people, you’ve given people permission to share, too.”
Ojo highlighted Harry’s influential role in The Diana Award’s collaboration with ServiceNow, which aims to prepare young people for careers of the future by enhancing access to digital and AI skills. “The Duke has been pivotal with our partnership with ServiceNow. He understands what that partnership is about,” she shared, adding that this initiative focuses on equipping the youth with essential tools for their professional journeys.
The ongoing mission emphasized during the panel aimed to explore how young individuals can leverage emerging technologies responsibly. Ojo expressed her belief in the potential of young changemakers, suggesting that cultivating skills in AI engineering would empower them to address societal inequalities. Notably, The Diana Award and ServiceNow have initiated a programme that has already trained 100 youths across Africa in AI skills, a development Ojo proudly noted.
Moreover, the conversation also shifted towards the importance of mental well-being in preparing for future challenges. Recognizing the integral role that mental fitness plays in personal and professional development, Harry advocated for the inclusion of mental health education and communication skills within learning curricula. Ojo remarked on the Duke’s commitment, stating, “That was something the Duke pushed forward. He said you can’t prepare the next generation of young people without thinking about mental fitness.”
As the dialogue concluded, those present were left with a sense of optimism about the future. The collaboration between The Diana Award and ServiceNow not only aims to foster technical capabilities among youth but also prioritises their mental health, ensuring that they are well-rounded individuals ready to enter an increasingly demanding workforce. For Prince Harry, championing initiatives that empower the younger generation remains a key component of his royal legacy.
This unexpected interaction not only showcased Prince Harry’s humour but also underscored his continuous commitment to important societal topics. As young people gear up to tackle their careers in a swiftly changing environment, efforts like those being made by The Diana Award and its partners will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping their future.