Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Belgium for a series of high-profile engagements, marking their first joint European trip since returning to the UK more than two months ago.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Brussels on Tuesday, November 10, as they began their latest overseas visit.
The couple’s first engagement centred on the Lost Screen Memorial, an installation and advocacy campaign created to honour children who have died as a result of online harms.
The project was created by the Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network and aims to draw attention to the impact of social media platforms and online dangers on young people.
A video shared by a fan page on Instagram showed Harry and Meghan making their way towards the memorial at the European Parliament.
The Sussexes began the engagement with the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The initiative places children’s digital safety at the centre of the couple’s visit, with Harry expected to use the occasion to call for meaningful action to protect young people online.
Harry and Meghan had previously been expected to deliver a keynote speech during the event, although reports have indicated that the Duchess will not address the audience.
Speaking to The Telegraph, an insider close to the couple said Meghan would join her husband but was “not strong enough” to speak publicly.
The reported decision comes amid difficult family circumstances following news that Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, had been arrested and charged with possession of child abuse material.
The development has reportedly affected the Duchess, with her decision not to speak publicly drawing attention ahead of the Belgium engagements.
Meanwhile, Harry is expected to deliver the keynote address, focusing on the importance of taking practical steps to make the digital world safer for children.
The Duke will also take part in a panel discussion during the visit titled Beyond Promises: Building a Digital Future That Works for Children.
The discussion is expected to continue the central theme of the trip, highlighting the need for greater attention to children’s experiences and protection online.
Harry and Meghan’s arrival in Brussels therefore marks the beginning of a visit focused on digital safety, while also placing the couple back in the European spotlight for their first joint trip there since their UK return.
