If you’ve been to a lot of events in recent years, you’ve probably noticed people taking photos or recording videos (sometimes throughout the entire speech or performance, even). While this is pretty commonplace in some settings (such as concerts), certain events explicitly bar people from using their phones in this way (though that doesn’t always stop them).
It makes sense that people want to capture specific moments and preserve memories, and at the same time, phones can be pretty distracting in some settings. People obviously have different preferences and opinions, but I would dare to say that wanting people to put their phones away at an event is not all that controversial. Unless it’s someone like Prince Harry saying something about it, which is exactly what happened at a recent event.
During a surprise appearance, Harry made a comment about phone use.
🎥Applause for the charming Prince Harry as he took the stage at the Wanderlust Travel Media Awards at the Old Royal Naval College, London.. The Duke also greeted destination representatives, government officials, and leaders from across travel and tourism. https://t.co/fXK0KHOYeq
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) November 5, 2026
He made an appearance and gave a speech at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards in London on Thursday, November 5. And even though the speaker who appeared on stage prior to him had already spoken about phone use, that clearly did not stop people from pulling out their mobile devices when Harry appeared on stage.
His commented about it came across as lighthearted, but also very clear: “All I can see is phones,” he said when looking out into the crowd. People laughed and did not appear to be bothered by his comment. He also added, “You guys, literally he just talked about it,” referring to the speaker before him.
It’s really not hard to understand why looking out into a crowd and seeing a bunch of people recording you might feel impersonal, uncomfortable, or even intimidating. But sometimes, it seems like those who exist in the public eye are expected to just deal with it.
And Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have an especially complicated relationship with attention from the public.
After they stepped back from royal life, a persistent narrative that they were seeking privacy emerged. So, when they have seemingly wanted attention from the public (like via podcasts or social media posts), their critics have been quick to call them out for that.
Likewise, a source who spoke to RadarOnline called Prince Harry’s lighthearted comment about phone use “diva-like.”
“Harry appeared to be joking, and the people laughed along, but the exchange was interpreted as another example of his uneasy relationship with public attention,” the source said. “He wants people to listen to his message, but he cannot control how they react to seeing him.”
The source also said Harry is “a famous royal making a public appearance, so it’s hardly surprising people wanted photographs.”
Originally, Harry and Meghan were both expected to speak at another event.
But now, it looks as though Meghan will not be speaking there. Harry and Meghan were expected to speak at the Lost Screen Memorial in Belgium on November 10. Apparently, Meghan will be traveling with Harry, but will no longer be delivering the keynote speech alongside him, according to a report from The Telegraph.
A source told the publication that “she’s just not strong enough, emotionally, to be doing any public speaking right now.” Her father, who she is estranged from, was arrested on November 6.
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