EXCLUSIVE: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex headed to New York City to be crowned humanitarians of the year, but according to an expert, there was a reason behind their trip.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent a few days in New York City (Image: AP)

A royal expert has revealed a deeper reason for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to New York City last week to receive an award for their humanitarian efforts. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to the Big Apple last Thursday, where they spent a few days, attending various engagements and meeting with celebrities.

Harry and Meghan were crowned humanitarians of the year for their efforts last Thursday at the Project Healthy Minds Gala in New York. There, the Duke warned that the impact of social media on children is “one of the most pressing issues of our time,” while Meghan added that the couple often discussed how they would protect their own children, six-year-old Archie and Lili, four, as they grow older.

But according to a royal expert, there is a hidden meaning behind the couple’s latest award.

harry and meghan at the Project Healthy Minds Gala 2025
The Sussexes were named humanitarians of the year (Image: Getty)Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival (Image: Getty)

Veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the Express: “Meghan’s visit with Harry to NYC was to collect a grandly titled Humanitarian of the Year Award from Project Healthy Minds.

“Their charitable foundation, Archewell, is a partner with it, so it is unsurprising that they received it. It is a new award, without much cachet

“Cynics might say that although they have done some impressive work in the field of mental health, the main reason they were awarded it was so it got worldwide publicity.”

Earlier on Thursday, the Duke spoke at a panel conversation for men’s health charity Movember and warned that men are suffering in silence and isolation.

On Friday, the Duke and Duchess attended the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival.

Later that day, the couple were seen enjoying lunch with their close friend, tennis star Serena Williams, at New York’s Soho House.

And on Saturday, the couple were spotted solo all around Manhattan, meeting with various celebrity friends.

Meanwhile, the couple’s Archewell Foundation announced that its Parents’ Network initiative is joining forces with ParentsTogether, a non-profit organisation dedicated to family advocacy and online safety.

The Duchess shared a glimpse of the couple’s visit to NYC by posting a new video on the official Instagram account.

Mr Fitzwilliams added: “Meghan’s new video seems very off-key with rows of shoes and dresses. You feel that the allure of luxury is irresistible to her, but she should bear in mind that it would be beyond the reach of many. The trip was about a serious subject to which the Sussexes have contributed. This mish-mash of a video looked juvenile, unsophisticated and very unroyal. ”