The Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked Mental Health Awareness Month with a visit to Santa Barbara youth group AHA! to hear first-hand experiences about the impact of societal pressures and social media on young people today. The group gathered round the couple to engage in working to find solutions.
I spoke yesterday about the step back Meghan has taken from public life since moving to California. It is splendid to see the couple doing what they do best -- connecting with young people and shining a light on worthy causes.
Supporting and nurturing mental health charities and initiatives was a core element of Harry and Meghan's work in the UK. Many of you will remember the impact of Harry speaking to Bryony Gordon during Heads Together with a great degree of raw honesty about the impact losing Diana had on his life. Below, the couple launching Shout! in 2019, a Royal Foundation text line which offers support to those in need in the UK 24/7. Harry and Meghan were very much involved with its inception, holding meetings with contributors and partners at Kensington Palace and a number of private visits. It would be the final dual initiative launched by the Waleses (then Cambridges) and Sussexes.
A statement for Archewell read: "During this hour-long session, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke with teens ages 14-18 about the opportunities social media can provide for connection and community, as well as the ways in which it also raises issues of insecurity, peer-pressure, and potential for self-harm, among other risks. These important perspectives and experiences help us understand how mental wellness intersects with the online world, and what it means to promote digital wellness in a digital age".
The statement continued: "The Archewell Foundation (AWF) has a history of engaging on these critical issues and working in partnership with youth groups, experts, and families, to develop programs that support and inspire change. AWF holds a core belief that mental health is of the utmost importance, and underpins all of our work. We are regularly meeting with young people, parents, and professionals to understand the challenges they may be facing while working together to drive towards long-term solutions on- and offline."
Mental Health Awareness Month runs throughout May in the United States. This year's theme asks people to "challenge yourself to examine your world and how it can affect your overall health. Look around, look within – from your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to your mental health".
Meghan was elegant in a black outfit and her signature jewellery stack including Princess Diana's Cartier Tank watch and tennis bracelet and her Cartier Love bracelet.
With thanks to Mary, the Duchess wore a rib-knit top by Another Tomorrow. The Henley black top is available in limited sizing at Saks Fifth Avenue. Meghan teamed it with a sold out La Fayette skirt.
The Duchess wore her Aquazzura Purist pumps (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).
Meghan wore her Maya Brenner x Abigail Spencer Clarity Retreat Necklace.
The Clarity Retreat necklace is described as:
"Made in collaboration with Abigail Spencer, The Clarity Retreat Necklace is just the thing to help you see your way through any challenges. Made with a hand-cut clear quartz, this crystal is regarded as the most powerful energy amplifier on the planet! It’s meant to help you manifest what you want in life and let go of anything that's not working. A subtle wearable crystal piece to protect your peace…so every day can be your retreat.
The hand-cut crystal point is wrapped in a 14k gold band with 2.5 mm diamond. The 20" diamond-cut chain has an additional jump ring at 18" for alternate length option's."
Abigail is of course one of Meghan's dearest friends. The pair hit it off whilst filming Suits and have remained a constant in each other's live since. Below, Abigail wearing the piece.
We'll see Meghan in New York tomorrow for the Women of Vision awards.
What s great initiative, Meghan looking fresher and younger
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, both the negative and positive impact of the social media on our general mental health well being need to be emphasize.......
ReplyDeleteMeghan looks healthy and emotionally centered. It seems they've finally settled in and begun to move forward from all the pain, doesn't it? It's really wonderful seeing her in an "official" capacity again. I, too, hope we get much more of this going forward. This is what Harry and Meghan do best, quietly championing important causes and finding real solutions.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, do you think Meghan will open (or re-open) a blog of sorts? I know she was quoted in one of the articles (I can't remember which) as saying she was getting back on Instagram, or at least thinking about it. I'd love to see some regular content like she used to produce for the Tig and wondered if her signing with WME might mean something like this was in the works.
Hello Becca,
DeleteI wouldn't say it's something Meghan has ruled out. I think they've been so focused on meeting their commitments to streamers and building a life in the US and it's really only now all of those options are there.
Apparently they had dinner with Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and others. They are two women who have done incredibly well in the wellness/lifestyle space.
WME will open a lot of doors.
Tbf though, Gwyneth Paltrow does spout an epic amount of nonsense under the guise of 'wellness'.
DeleteThis is good. What a splendid job these two are doing. God bless them both.
ReplyDeletePhilly here. News of their philanthropic efforts and causes are always wonderful to read. Thank you, Charlotte. I'm also impressed by the tens of thousands of dollars raised for their charity for children's playgrounds in honour of Archie and Lilli's birthdays by many who openly rebuff the constant hatred on SM platforms. Most of the rabid hatred comes from fewer than 100 people who use technology to increase the noise around M&H, but there are also those who constantly call it out for what it is. Bless them.
ReplyDeleteI was just enjoying yesterday's post so much that I delayed commenting but now I see news is coming fast. :) I loved how Meghan looked in her little brown dress. It's so hard to wear brown but this looked like a "rich" shade. Both Harry and Meghan look genuinely happy and relaxed. I love Meghan's necklace and I see a tiny glimpse of her emerald-cut pinky ring.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first hear about Meghan (as Harry's new girlfriend), I looked a The Tig, not expecting much because I do not like "lifestyle" blogs. Well, I just loved it! My only worry is about people being able to comment.
Looking forward to tomorrow! Thank you for such coverage -- no rest I'm afraid.
Do we know the origin of the coat she is wearing in the picture where they are launching Shout? Looks like it has blue flowers on it?
ReplyDeleteHello eclaires, it's a Stella McCartney piece I believe :)
DeleteSuper Charlotte, thank you for these beautiful articles that keep us informed about the Sussexes that we love so much. Meghan is gorgeous😍
ReplyDelete