The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to make a significant return to public life with their upcoming visit to Brussels, which will be their first joint appearance abroad since relocating back to the United Kingdom. Scheduled for Tuesday, 10 November, the couple will unveil the Lost Screen Memorial, a poignant installation that commemorates children whose lives have been tragically impacted by harmful social media content.
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Initially revealed in New York City in April 2025, the Lost Screen Memorial features 50 smartphone screens, each showcasing the lock screen images of children who lost their lives as a result of adverse online experiences. These personal photographs were contributed by parents associated with the Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network, aiming to spotlight the urgent necessity for safer digital environments for children. Following its debut in the United States, Meghan Markle brought the memorial to Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2026.
During their visit to Brussels, Prince Harry, aged 42, and Meghan, aged 45, will deliver a keynote speech addressing the critical importance of proactive measures to enhance children’s online safety. Moreover, Prince Harry will participate in a panel discussion titled “Beyond Promises: Building a Digital Future That Works for Children,” where experts will deliberate strategies for ensuring a secure digital landscape for young users.
This initiative is part of the Sussexes’ broader commitment to advocate for safer online spaces. In a previous engagement with the Clinton Foundation and the Parents’ Network established in August 2024, Harry spoke about the serious consequences children face online. He expressed that the lives lost are not mere statistics; each child represented an irreplaceable loss for their families. Meghan echoed this sentiment poignantly, stating that while the memorial illustrates the children who have been lost, it also symbolises the potential lives that might yet be saved.
The upcoming trip to Belgium comes at a time of increased scrutiny for the couple. It will be their first public engagement following a distressing controversy surrounding Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr. Just weeks prior, news emerged detailing allegations involving child exploitation against him, brought to light by Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr. Allegations included reports of child pornography discovered at Markle Sr.’s residence in the Philippines, leading to significant media attention and public concern.
In a statement, Meghan referenced troubling details from a letter submitted to the police regarding the allegations against her father. She expressed her distress over the accusations and confirmed her understanding that an investigation was underway. While Thomas Markle Sr. has publicly denied possessing any illegal material or involvement with minors, the allegations have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the family’s dynamics.
In the wake of these revelations, a close friend of Meghan described the emotional turmoil she has been experiencing. The friend noted that Meghan, a mother of two young children, is particularly affected by the distressing nature of the accusations, adding that the situation has been traumatic for her. However, there exists a sense of relief among those close to the Duchess that these matters are finally being addressed through official channels.
Following their return to the UK in August, where they now base their family, Meghan and Harry have engaged in philanthropic activities and community support. Prior to their Brussels trip, the couple attended a series of charitable events in Nottingham, where they made their first joint public appearance since arriving back in Britain. The family enjoyed a low-profile period, recently taking a holiday during the school break for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
As they navigate these recent challenges and continue their advocacy, the Brussels engagement marks an important step for Harry and Meghan in reconnecting with their public role. Through the Lost Screen Memorial and their ongoing campaigns for digital safety, the Sussexes present a united front in the face of adversity, striving to effect positive change for children and families affected by social media harms. This visit will not only serve as a platform for raising awareness but may also be a significant moment for the couple as they balance their personal struggles with their public responsibilities.
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