Harry & Meghan Champion Responsible Technology Youth Fund

There was a rare surprise appearance from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex today, in support of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund.

The couple, filmed against the scenic backdrop of their Montecito home, surprised a number of very excited young people, by sharing the wonderful news that their efforts to play an important role in shaping the future of technology, will be supported by the fund. Harry told one caller: "Thank you for doing everything that you do, our kids, especially, are incredibly grateful. They don’t know it yet, but they will".

An official release on the Archewell website read: "The Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund today announced an inaugural cohort of 26 inspiring young people and organizations, selected for their groundbreaking approach to changing the future of technology. These innovators and campaigners have been awarded a total of $2 million to support their efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable, and accountable online world", adding, "The Archewell Foundation is a proud founding member of this initiative and serves on the advisory committee alongside leading organizations including Omidyar Network, Hopelab, Susan Crown Exchange, Susan Reynolds, and more".

Town & Country reports:

“Societies globally are wrestling with major issues like the youth mental health crisis and the decay of our information environment. What and who can we trust online? Can online spaces be truly safe and affirm wellbeing? And what new systems can we create with, instead of for, young people?” Emma Leiken, RTYPF Co-founder, said in a statement released today. “These questions touch on issues ranging from platform accountability to cybersecurity, privacy, digital literacy, data equity, algorithmic bias, and digital well-being and that's what this fund's grantees will tackle.”

During a chat with Cyber Collective founder Tazin Khan, Meghan said, "Thank you for all the work you’re doing, it’s huge and it’s making an enormous impact."

Wow. Can't believe that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, called our Co-chair @emmalembke. pic.twitter.com/7QreT4RQOk

— Design It For Us (@DesignItForUs) August 2, 2023

Harper's Bazaar notes:

'Social entrepreneur Trisha Prabhu—who founded ReThink, an award-winning app and patented technology that detects and stops potential online hate before damage is done—says the couple’s support and encouragement will help the organization grow.

“It was a surreal and special moment,” she tells Bazaar.com of receiving the call. “It really means so much to have the duke and duchess validating us in our mission.”

Meghan chose a very chic look by Malibu based brand Bleusalt. The $140 Sleeveless Turtleneck in camel is described as: "banded at the bottom for a looser fitting body" and "breathable". Meghan styled it with the brands $162 Tube Skirt in Camel. A reader told me if you purchase the look, Bleusalt are offering a free scarf. The outfit is available in multiple colours here.

Meghan accessorised with her usual staples - Princess Diana's Cartier watch and Cartier Love bracelet - to name two. We also saw a very pretty pair of gold earrings.

They are the past season Lanvin Arpége Sleeper earrings (with thanks to Meghan's Closet Chronicles).

While it's been an incredibly quiet year for Harry and Meghan in terms of appearances, a couple of major dates on their calendar are coming up. Next week, Harry and his close friend Nacho Figueras will travel to Singapore for the Sentebale Polo Cup. The pair will also attend a summit on the power of "sport, community, and philanthropy". There's no word on Meghan's attendance, though I think the statement would have mentioned her attendance, if planned. Then, from the 9-16 September, it's the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany. Local reports (unconfirmed) in the German media suggest Harry will be there for the entire week, with Meghan potentially attending the second half and participating in the Closing Ceremony.