Both couples have spoken out on the topic

Aroyal expert has shut down talk of any “rivalry” between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their in-laws, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Earlier this week, the Sussexes and the Waleses both spoke out on the same issue.

Last Thursday (October 9), Harry and Meghan travelled to New York to pick up a prestigious prize. The couple were awarded the Humanitarians of the Year Award by non-profit organisation, Project Healthy Minds, in recognition of their global mental health advocacy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received an award last week (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, William and Kate ‘rivalry’ rumours

In particular, the couple’s award recognised their ongoing efforts to create a safer online environment for young people.

Two years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex set up the Parents Network’ with their Archewell Foundation charity, offering support for parents whose children have experienced harm from social media. They unveiled the initiative at the 2023 edition of the Project Healthy Minds’ festival.

I don’t think this is a rivalry between Harry and Meghan and William and Catherine.

Earlier this year, the couple also unveiled a memorial in New York City, dedicated to children whose families believe harmful online material contributed to their deaths.

Before Harry and Meghan appeared in New York last week, Kate shared an essay as she also spoke out on the very same issue.
Kate Middleton also published an essay about technology (Credit: Cover Images)
The Princess of Wales published an essay with the The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It was titled “The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World”.

Written in collaboration with Professor Robert Waldinger of Harvard University, it warns of the dangers of technological attachment.

‘I don’t think this is a rivalry’

Despite the timing, BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has shut down speculation that the couples were competing.

“I don’t think this is a rivalry between Harry and Meghan and William and Catherine,” she told The Mirror, pointing out: “The two princes and Catherine were involved in mental health issues before Meghan came along. It is something they care deeply about.”
Prince William also led an online safety campagin (Credit: Cover Images)
Indeed, back in 2017, Prince William launched his own online safety campaign, “Stop, Speak, Support”. He helped create a youth-led code of conduct as well as a set of resources for young people dealing with cyberbullying.

Jennie continued: “The message that both couples are now promoting is that society has to do something about the dangers that the Internet, and particularly social media, pose to our children. It is an important message, and one that affects us all.”

She concluded: “I think both couples should rightly be applauded for using their fame, be it as royals or celebrities, to highlight this crucial issue.”