Prince Harry and First Lady Jill Biden are joining forces for a major event, adding another high-profile collaboration to the Duke of Sussex's expanding presence on the global stage. The two will participate in the Clinton Global Initiative 2024, an event beginning on September 23 that is set to draw influential figures from around the world.
Prince Harry and Dr. Biden, along with the Governors of New York and Kentucky, are both scheduled to speak at the event, with their appearance occurring during a pivotal moment for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as their involvement in U.S. civic matters grows.
This collaboration comes on the heels of a public statement from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, encouraging Americans to register to vote ahead of the upcoming election. In a message posted on their Archewell Foundation website, the couple emphasized the importance of civic participation, stating, "Voting is not just a right; it's a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities." They highlighted their recent volunteer efforts to support voter registration through Vote Forward, a tool that enables letter-writing campaigns to encourage unregistered voters to get involved.
Their engagement in U.S. civic affairs has sparked notable attention. While Prince Harry and Meghan have refrained from endorsing a specific candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, their encouragement of voter registration indicates a continued interest in political engagement, a realm they entered more visibly in recent years. The couple's involvement in voter advocacy efforts, though nonpartisan, has not gone unnoticed by political figures. Former President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of the couple, with his son Eric Trump calling them "spoiled apples" during an interview earlier this year.
The collaboration between Prince Harry and Jill Biden is not entirely unexpected. The two share a history of working together, particularly through the Invictus Games, a global sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded veterans, which Dr. Biden has supported for years. This shared commitment to veterans and public service makes their partnership for the Clinton Global Initiative a natural fit.
The event itself is set to coincide with other major global gatherings, including the UN General Assembly's High-Level Week and Climate Week, both of which run from September 22 to September 29 in New York City. This places the Duke of Sussex in the spotlight during a crucial period, where global leaders and influential figures converge to address pressing issues such as climate change, public health, and social justice.
While in New York, Prince Harry is expected to further the work of his philanthropic initiatives, including his nonprofit, the Archewell Foundation, which he co-founded with Meghan Markle. A spokesperson for the Duke confirmed that in addition to the Clinton Global Initiative, Prince Harry will participate in events and engagements related to his key patronages, such as African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst. These engagements underscore his ongoing commitment to conservation, humanitarian efforts, and sustainable travel.
The timing of Prince Harry's appearance also raises the possibility of a parallel visit by his brother, Prince William. The Prince of Wales may be in the city for the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, scheduled to take place at The Plaza Hotel on September 24. Though it is unclear whether the two brothers will cross paths during their time in New York, both are expected to be involved in key global initiatives during their visits.
