Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Took Part in the World Mental Health Festival

On a different day at the same event they participated in, the couple also sparked online buzz with their interaction while they posed for photos together.

It was meant to be a powerful day of advocacy — but something in the air felt off. At a mental health event, witnesses couldn't ignore what lay just beneath: a surprisingly sombre Prince Harry, and a quietly watchful Meghan Markle — sparking online whispers of tension and emotional turmoil.

On October 10, 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival at Spring Studios in New York. While there, the couple spoke on stage. Sources who were at the event shared details about the duo's presence, noting nuances of both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's demeanor.

A Picture-Perfect Pair... With Something Lurking Beneath?

The couple's participation in the event was rooted in their ongoing advocacy for mental health awareness and digital well-being — causes that have become central pillars of their public work.

Representing their Archewell Foundation, which sponsored three panels at the festival, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at Spring Studios with a purpose-driven agenda.

While their appearance was part of a broader effort to support discussions around youth mental health and online safety, those in attendance noted an unexpected emotional weight surrounding the pair — particularly Harry.

Sources in the audience described the Duke's presence as noticeably subdued. His typically affable demeanor gave way to a more sombre expression as he took to the stage to deliver opening remarks. "The global pandemic stripped away the ordinary scaffolding of life," he told the crowd, "and brought a measurable surge in anxiety, depression, and loss of connection."

An audience member who had hoped to see the couple in a more interactive setting expressed mild disappointment that neither joined the panels themselves. Instead, both Harry and Meghan read prepared speeches from teleprompters to open separate sessions.

Their stage presence was described as "very businesslike," suggesting a level of emotional restraint that felt out of sync with their usual warmth. Meghan, poised and eloquent, introduced the second panel moderated by journalist Katie Couric.

"For this next panel we're going to turn to one of the most urgent questions facing families today: what's happening to childhood, and how and what do we do to allow our children to just be children [sic]," she said.

Following the three panels, the Sussexes briefly mingled with participants and offered hugs before exiting the venue. They then reportedly had lunch with longtime friend Serena Williams at Soho House.

Prince Harry's Sombre Mood Shadows the Room

The outing marked the continuation of what has been referred to as a "pseudo-royal" approach to public engagements, echoing their past charitable tours during their time as working royals. But unlike earlier appearances, this one seemed laced with a quiet gravity, especially for the prince, whose demeanor prompted subtle concern from those watching closely.

A royal watcher in the crowd recounted a notably subdued atmosphere. In contrast to the fanfare often surrounding Sussex appearances, the absence of excited crowds and the restrained dynamic between the couple left some attendees surprised.

"It felt so bleak," the observer noted. "No crowds to greet them [...] Was [sic] so interesting to see them in person."

"Harry just looked sad, anxious and [sic] tired. He obviously hates speaking in front of a crowd," the attendee divulged further. But perhaps the most poignant observation highlighted, "You got the impression his life had taken a wrong turn."

It was a reflection not just on the day's proceedings, but a broader commentary on the winding, often turbulent path the Duke of Sussex has walked in recent years — one that, even in moments of celebration, seemed to carry the weight of something unresolved.

Among those who witnessed the couple up close was reporter Brigid Brown, who attended the festival and offered a more intimate perspective on their involvement — one that painted Meghan, in particular, as quietly present and emotionally engaged throughout the day.

Meghan Markle's Silent Support Steals the Moment

While Harry took to the stage to introduce the panel focused on the impact of the digital world on young people, Meghan remained nearby, positioned just out of the spotlight but close enough to offer visible support.

Following Harry's remarks, he joined the audience, and it became clear that Meghan had been seated front and center all along — specifically next to the mother of a young girl who was about to speak on the panel. The girl's testimony about her struggle with social media was raw and deeply personal.

She described falling into harmful online content during the pandemic while using TikTok in fifth grade. What began as a tool for staying connected with friends eventually led her into a dangerous spiral of restrictive eating, heavily influenced by the app's algorithm.

Her condition worsened to the point of hospitalization, but in time, she and her family chose to fight back — even joining a lawsuit against the platform. As the young girl courageously shared her story, Meghan's response did not go unnoticed.

Brigid observed that the Duchess sat quietly beside the mother, nodding with empathy and encouragement as the girl spoke. The subtle yet powerful gesture of support was not performative — it was genuine, steady, and reassuring.

In contrast to Harry's tailored suit — fitting for his time on stage — Meghan appeared more relaxed in her wardrobe choice, aligning with the festival's inviting and laid-back tone. She wore a striped shirt and a light brown wool coat that extended to her shins over a pair of flared blue jeans.

Critics Clash over Gala Honors amid Online Buzz

Their participation in the festival came just one day after they had commanded attention at Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Gala, where Meghan received the couple's Humanitarians of the Year award.

While the award recognized both their personal and philanthropic contributions — including Harry's work with mental health organizations and the impact of his memoir "Spare" — it also ignited mixed reactions. Some critics pointed to the ongoing tension within the royal family and questioned the appropriateness of the accolade.

Yet others, especially those working closely with the Sussexes behind the scenes, came to their defense. Attorney and social media safety advocate Laura Marquez-Garrett, who presented the award on stage, called their detractors "pessimistic" and insisted that no one was more deserving of the prize.

Despite the applause and accolades, the atmosphere surrounding the Sussexes that week was tinged with emotional complexity. While they were clearly there to uplift others, it was difficult for some to ignore the underlying tension in their dynamic.

And as video clips and photos began to surface from the gala and related events, online discussions would soon swirl — dissecting moments that, though brief, hinted at something deeper playing out behind the scenes.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry didn't capture online attention with their carefully curated looks at the gala on October 9, as it was their interaction that sparked the most comments from eagle-eyed netizens.

They Looked the Part, But All Eyes Were on What Came Next

Harry stepped onto the black carpet in a sharp black suit, white shirt, and dark, patterned tie. Meghan matched him, as she donned a sleek pantsuit with her hair swept back into a ponytail, and a gold necklace that glinted at her collar.

But the moment they stepped in front of photographers, things took a sudden and awkward turn. A few seconds into their posing, Meghan looked directly at her husband, but Harry failed to meet her gaze and abruptly turned and stepped away.

The Internet Goes Into Overdrive

The tail end of the videos reveals that Harry moved to greet Phil Schermer, founder and CEO of the mental health organization.

Meghan trailed a little behind but caught up to them quickly. Online commentary flooded in after the videos and photos surfaced.

"Uh, she looked at him and [sic] he just straight up turned away?" one netizen asked bluntly. Another speculated, "The look she gave him. He has to be annoyed at her for the stunt in Paris!"

"He didn't want to hold her hand," opined someone else, while another said, "He rejected her. She looked at him, and he turned his head away."

One observer questioned, "Why did she hit his arm while he's shaking the man's hand? It's like she shoved him out of the w a y [sic]." Another added, "He didn't look at her once! Not even a flicker of a glance."

And then came the most brutal commentary yet. "They're all calling for Harry and she's fuming. 😂 Best part is the way he ignores her when she stares at him. He absolutely hates her. This relationship is all performative and on its last legs. Can't wait for his tell-all divorce book 'Surviving Meghan.' Now THAT I'd buy [sic]!" a critic claimed.

Supporters Praise the Couple Amid Swirling Speculation

But not everyone was convinced the moment was anything more than awkward timing. Some supporters focused on the overall appearance of the couple who were attending an event that mattered to them.

"Haven't seen these two king& Queens in a minute they look 👀 nice 🥰 ❤️❤️ [sic]," one fan cheered. Another praised, "She looks young and fresh. very [sic] beautiful indeed."

Whether the viral moment was a marital misstep or just a case of the Duke being distracted, one thing is clear: when Harry and Meghan step into the spotlight, the world is watching and ready to dissect every move.