Prince Harry is urging young people to stay positive during this trying time. The Duke of Sussex, who is now living in Los Angeles with wife Meghan Markle and 1-year-old son Archie, is continuing to support his charities across the pond.
Harry shared a special message with OnSide Youth Zones on May 10 as part of the OnSide Awards. The UK-based charity runs a network of Youth Zones, providing safe spaces for youth to hang out and learn from adult role models. Recently, the charity has adapted its mission to provide support for young people at home through phone calls, social media, and digital content.
In his message, Harry encouraged young people to stay strong during this unprecedented time. He noted the resilience and strength they've already demonstrated as a testament that they can make it through this as well. Harry fondly looked back on the last time he'd spent with the charity, just before his end-of-year hiatus in 2019. He also looked ahead to the next time he'd be able to interact with these impressive young people.
Prince Harry is hoping to help young people keep a positive mindset through this trying time. The Duke of Sussex recorded a special video message for a live screening of the OnSide Awards, an event by UK-based charity OnSide Youth Zones. The charity aims to provide safe spaces for youth to hang out and learn from adult mentors.
The charity decided to live broadcast its 2019 OnSide Awards to uplift the many young people who remain at home due to shutdowns. OnSide also adapted its services through phone calls, social media, and digital content.
The inaugural event, which took place in November, was Prince Harry's last event before his hiatus from royal duties that ultimately led to his and Meghan's decision to step back.
Harry's message was a surprise to folks who tuned in. The message served as an introduction to the awards.
"Hi guys! Just a few months ago, we were all together in London at the OnSide Youth Zones Awards and, wow, what a night that was," Harry shared.
"I remember meeting so many incredible people and hearing your stories — stories of strength, of determination, of resilience but ultimately of courage. And as I said to you on that night, and I will repeat it again, hats off to every single one of you for surviving but also for thriving," Harry continued.
Harry went on to reflect on how things have become more complicated by shutdowns.
"I can only imagine the last six weeks have made it even more challenging," Harry acknowledged.
"This too shall pass. And before you know it, you will be back together again, probably in a Youth Zone, you know, running around, having the best time ever."
"I am hugely privileged and honored to be part of the OnSide community," Harry continued.
"So have fun, I look forward to seeing you guys soon and soak up the positivity of this night because it really was amazing."
Harry's message was the positive light that many young people needed to help them navigate this difficult period in our history.
"It's a big deal for us having someone of Prince Harry's influence as a supporter. He's really in tune with young people, so he totally gets the issues that they face," a spokesperson for OnSide told People magazine.
"Shortly after he moved away, he reassured us that he still wants to keep supporting us and doing whatever he can for us. In the current situation, I can't imagine he'll be back visiting a Youth Zone any time soon but he's said he's keen to stay in touch with us and will continue to help out wherever he can."
This video message is the latest evidence that Harry and Meghan continue their dedication to their UK charities despite having left the country. Harry also recorded a video message on what would have been the first day of the Invictus Games.
"As we commemorate V-Day this weekend, and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire second World War generation, we should've also been gathering together in the Netherlands to kick start the Invictus Games 2020 in The Hague," Harry said.
"Life has changed dramatically for all of us since I was last in The Hague, but the IG2020 team has done an incredible job to adapt so quickly to the situation, and are busy planning dates for next year," Harry continued.
"The new dates will be shared with you very soon. I hope all of those in the Invictus family are coping well and supporting each other through these challenging times."
"I continue to hear amazing stories of families coming together on online platforms," Harry noted.
"But please look out for those who have gone quiet or are no longer visible on the chat sites. You guys are the best at this, so I have no doubt you are all running around and supporting one another."
In lieu of the event, they've offered at-home activities participants can engage in. "You never know, it may be fun and a change from the norm," Harry said of them.
"Alongside the virtual activities from the team in The Hague, I am delighted that the Invictus Games Foundation will be hosting a virtual conference with international speakers and participants sharing their thoughts and experience of resilience and why the Invictus spirit is so important. I am incredibly grateful for your continued support. Stay safe and this week, stay tuned, as we bring The Hague home to you."
Meghan has also kept up with her charity endeavors. In mid-April, she got on a video call with some of the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen. She worked with the organization on Together: Our Community Cookbook.
"You showed up and you all had it in you and what was so great was back at that first day, and then however many visits later, and going, ‘Yeah, we’re just going to make a cookbook,’" Meghan recalled.
She credited the success of the cookbook to the women, who had "faith in what you can bring to the table and what you can inspire."
Meghan also spent time chatting with one of the clients of Smart Works, another charity patronage of hers that helps women with clothing and coaching for job interviews.
"It’s been such an honor to meet and learn from so many talented women in the Smart Works network over the years, and recently to see the amazing work they’re doing to adapt their programs to the reality of this [global health crisis]," Meghan said in a message shared by Smart Works.
"Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring."
Harry and Meghan are proving that their ability to reach others doesn't depend on physical proximity. The couple seems to be thriving as they continue to work to help others despite the limitations in place. It's an excellent start to their lives independent of the royal family.
