Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Visit Youth Mental Health Organization in Melbourne

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited a youth mental health organization in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday. They participated in a discussion about social media, online harassment, and Australia's recent legislation restricting access for younger users. The visit was part of their multi-day tour of the country.

Visit to Batyr at Swinburne University

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visited Batyr, a youth mental health and wellbeing program based at Swinburne University in Melbourne. The event involved a circle discussion with a group of young people, focusing on the impact of social media on mental health.

During the discussion, the couple addressed Australia's social media ban for users under 16, which was implemented in December 2023.

Prince Harry described the legislation as "epic" from a responsibility and leadership standpoint. He stated that many countries are adopting similar measures but added, "it should have never gotten to that point."

Meghan Markle spoke about her personal experiences with online harassment. According to reports from the Press Association, she stated, "For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked. And I was the most trolled person in the entire world."

Markle further commented that, in her view, social media companies are "not incentivised to stop" such behavior. She characterized the online environment as a "billion-dollar industry... completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks" and advised the group, "you have to be stronger than that."

Upon leaving the center, Markle and Prince Harry were greeted by a crowd. Some attendees called out Markle's name, while others chanted "Harry."

Earlier Cultural Activities

Earlier on Thursday, prior to the university visit, the couple participated in cultural activities in Melbourne focused on Aboriginal heritage.

• They were greeted by representatives from the Koori Heritage Trust at Federation Square.
• The activities included a walk through Birrarung Marr park and a visit to the Scar Tree Walk.

Incident with a Reporter

Separately, earlier on Thursday, Prince Harry was approached by a television reporter in Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens. Channel 7 reporter Paul Dowsley requested a photograph or selfie with the prince.

• Dowsley provided an account of the interaction to the Daily Mail, describing it as good-humored.
• He stated that Prince Harry complimented his tie during the exchange.

Travel Plans

Following the day's events in Melbourne, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were scheduled to travel to Sydney later on Thursday.