Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will accept their Humanitarian of the Year award on Thursday (October 9). But one royal commentator has criticised them as “unsuitable” winners.

Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, are set to arrive in New York to accept their award. They will be honoured at the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala.

It’s believed they will get the award due to their efforts to make the online world a safer place for families and young people. But it appears the decision has left some experts confused.

Meghan and Harry have been slammed as “unsuitable” winners (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s award slammed

Back in 2020, Harry and Meghan launched their Archewell Foundation which aims to “show up, do good”. They also launched the Parent’s Network to support families affected by online harm.

But this wasn’t the only reasons they won the humanitarian award, as Harry’s memoir, Spare, was also referenced. And it seems because of this, and because of their family rifts, many don’t think they deserve the award.

According to Fox News, Meghan and Harry have been warned by royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams that just because they are being given an award, doesn’t mean their history has been forgotten.

He told them: “Despite the work they have undoubtedly done to highlight mental health issues, surely they are the wrong winners for this sort of award.”

Mr Fitzwilliams claimed that because the couple are both estranged from their families and have “launched deeply destructive attacks” on the royal family, they should not be worthy winners.

He added: “It states that Meghan is a ‘cultural catalyst for positive change’. And it lists Harry’s memoir among his achievements. What their foundation has done in the field of mental health, is of course, to be welcomed. However their treatment of their respective families makes them unsuitable recipients of a humanitarian award.”

Harry and Meghan will accept their award today (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan and Harry’s humanitarian work

Since leaving the royal family in 2020, Harry and Meghan have found themselves at the centre of scandal after scandal. The pair left royal life behind and relocated to California.

But recently, while Harry has met with his father, King Charles, Meghan has been trying to re-establish herself as an entrepreneur.

2025 has been a huge year for her, as in February she launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever. And in March, her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, premiered.

But despite her efforts, royal commentator Hilary Fordwich believes Meghan has not done enough humanitarian work.

She said: “Instead of focusing on charitable pursuits or anything truly transformative to rectify her reputation. She is reverting to glitzy high-profiled events in an attempt to reset public perception. Unfortunately for her, Hollywood is unforgiving. A third act isn’t likely to succeed.”

However, plenty of royal fans believe Harry and Meghan do deserve the award. One person said on X: “Such a prestigious honour and so well deserved! Harry and Meghan, true humanitarians and world leaders. Can’t wait to see them accept it next month in NYC.”

Another wrote: “Well deserved recognition.”