Prince Harry and Meghan Markle renewed their public campaign for stricter oversight of social media companies this week, urging global leaders and technology platforms to embrace "accountability" for online harms affecting children-an appeal that arrives as their charitable organization, Archewell Philanthropies, faces fresh financial and staffing scrutiny.
In a statement released through Archewell, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said digital platforms must do more to protect families, arguing that parents worldwide continue to seek transparency and safeguards. "This week, social media companies are starting to face accountability across the world," they stated, positioning the moment as a turning point in the debate over tech responsibility.
The statement emphasized the voices of families impacted by online abuse. "Our growing community of The Parents' Network have lived through the horrific consequences of cyberbullying, algorithm-driven manipulation, and worse," the couple said. "They as well as whistleblowers have told us for years that platforms prioritize engagement over safety".
The language reflects a continuation of the Sussexes' advocacy around digital well-being, an issue they have framed as a moral imperative rather than a partisan battle. The couple did not single out specific firms, instead centering their remarks on bereaved parents and young people exposed to harmful content.
The renewed focus on tech accountability comes at a delicate juncture for Archewell. Reports have surfaced alleging the existence of a $14 million loan connected to the organization's finances, prompting questions about liquidity and sustainability. The Duke and Duchess have not publicly addressed the details of the claim.
Additional speculation has surrounded Tyler Perry, a longtime ally who previously provided assistance during the couple's relocation to California. While rumors suggested tension, a source close to Perry denied any rift, saying there is no conflict between him and the Sussexes.
Behind the scenes, Archewell has experienced leadership changes. Meredith Maines, the couple's chief U.S. publicist, departed after less than a year in the role. James Holt, executive director of Archewell Philanthropies and a longstanding aide, also stepped down. The exits mark another period of transition for an organization that has positioned itself at the intersection of philanthropy, media and advocacy.
The Sussexes' latest intervention suggests they intend to keep children's online safety at the forefront of their platform despite internal adjustments. Their messaging links digital harms to broader societal consequences, portraying accountability as essential to restoring trust between families and technology companies.
Yet the juxtaposition is striking: as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle call for transparency from global tech firms, scrutiny over Archewell's financial structure and staff turnover has intensified. For the Duke and Duchess, whose post-royal identity has been built around institutional reform and public responsibility, the coming months may test whether their advocacy can remain insulated from questions about governance at home.
