It’s time to work. Suit jacket for one and suit for the other, a “poppy” pinned to their lapels, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan barely bat an eye as they record a video at home on one of the subjects that is most important to them. The fight against violence against children. Broadcast on November 7, it inaugurates the first United Nations global ministerial conference on the elimination of violence against children, which is currently taking place in Bogota. The logical continuation, after all, of their recent trip on this subject to Colombia at the invitation of the vice-president, three months ago.
A strong message sent in unison
Each in turn, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex speak, facing the camera. “We are at a crossroads,” Harry points out, hands behind his back. “The urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to child protection has become increasingly evident. While the need has always been there, now is the time to translate this awareness into meaningful action.” And that is the whole point of this first unprecedented world meeting.
Meghan follows suit, her hands placed in front of her this time. While she recognizes the many benefits of connectivity and advanced technology, she warns against digital violence which can affect young people. Before slipping in a few words about their Archewell Foundation which has made this 21st century evil its hobby horse. Notably thanks to the “Parents Network”, an initiative launched this summer to provide support to families facing the effects of online cruelty.
With this speech, the couple further affirms their shared commitment to a digitally fairer world. A focus on the safety and well-being of children, in particular, must lead to concrete measures. But when the mother of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet ends by proclaiming loudly that they will get there “together”, something rings false.
A video to counter separation rumors?
Not in the speech, skillfully rehearsed, but rather in the gestures. In the word together (together, in French), Prince Harry subtly slides his hand behind his wife’s back. A little awkwardly. Few glances exchanged between them, except for Meghan who, sometimes, turns to him, heard. However, some people see this surprise appearance as their response to the divorce rumors that have been swirling in the press for several months. A way of showing unity to silence them.
Read also >> Harry more and more often without Meghan: a couple with irreconcilable ambitions?
The fact remains that for almost three months, no one had seen them make a single public engagement together. And this sudden distance did not fail to raise questions. Would the famous duo evolve separately? Would they now be stronger on their own? If both display a discreet affection for each other in the video, it has nothing to do with their usual charming act… But as reserved as she is, she seems to have delighted some of their admirers on social networks. “Needed these today. Glad to see them and that they look so good!”
