The Duke of Sussex has said children “deserve to feel safe wherever they are” as the Duchess of Sussex made her first public appearance since her father’s arrest for possession of child abuse images.
Harry took to the podium at the European Parliament in Brussels to deliver a solo keynote address after Meghan pulled out of speaking alongside him because she was not “strong enough emotionally”.
It was the first time Meghan had been seen in public since allegations surrounding Thomas Markle Sr surfaced last month and since he appeared in court on Friday charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.
The duchess held Harry’s hand tightly during her arrival at the Paul-Henri Spaak building, and ignored shouts from the media of “Meghan, how are you feeling? How are you coping?”.
After her husband’s speech, Meghan placed a hand on Harry’s arm.
Harry told the parliament he and Meghan were supporting parents who had lost children to online harm.
“I’m not here as an expert or a politician. I’m here as a father. My wife, as a mother,” he said.
“And together, as a couple who stand alongside parents like Sandra, Megan and Sewell – in New York, Los Angeles, Geneva and now Brussels.
“Parents who never imagined they would have a reason to be in rooms like this.”
Harry’s speech did not directly reference Markle Sr, but he spoke about protecting children online and stressed the importance of prevention, and said they should feel safe whether in a classroom or a playground and “at any time, no matter where they are”.
The duke said: “Why, when we ask whether it can keep a child safe, does everything suddenly become complicated?
“I am not asking for a world without technology.
“That isn’t possible, it isn’t what young people want, and it certainly isn’t what I want for my own children.
“All children should be able to go online and discover something wonderful. A friend. An interest that becomes a passion. A place where they feel understood.
“They deserve to feel safe wherever they are. In a classroom. On a playground. At any time, no matter where they are.”
He added: “My approach to life, and to the value of it, has perhaps unsurprisingly always been about prevention.
“Preventing harm before it happens, rather than waiting for tragedy before deciding something must change.”
The event marked the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, a travelling art installation remembering children who died after being subjected to harm online.
Read MoreMeghan Markle makes first public appearance since father’s arrest
