Could Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's top-secret project [1] have something to do with launching a new social media platform? On Aug. 17, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex [2] virtually joined a group of young leaders from The Queen's Commonwealth Trust [3] to discuss the negative effects of social media and how to reset the digital world for good. The couple's virtual chat also marked their first joint appearance from their new Santa Barbara home [4], which they purchased in July.
"Everyone's mental and emotional well-being are perhaps more fragile than ever before, certainly with COVID and our dependability on devices right now in the absence of human interaction," Meghan explained. "When you look at what these platforms are capable of with that reach, and what that propels in terms of trolling . . . you can either train people to be cruel, or you can train people to be kind. It's really that simple."
"You can either train people to be cruel, or you can train people to be kind. It's really that simple."
Harry and Meghan currently serve as the president and vice president of the QCT. During the conversation, the prince spoke about Queen Elizabeth II's goals in the modern Commonwealth, emphasising how important it is for young people to have a voice. "I think everything my grandmother wanted to achieve when she took this huge responsibility on, she's managed," he said. "Hearing you guys, and knowing the broad spectrum that QCT engulfs, you're the definition of the 21st century Commonwealth and what it means to be part of it. You are there, standing for equality, for mutual respect, and for fairness."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been having a lot of conversations about social media [6] and the digital world recently, which has us wondering if the mysterious project they've been shopping around to media companies is somehow related to that. Harry and Meghan have reportedly been taking meetings since June, but no other details about the pitch have been revealed yet.