Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Respond After Royal Family’s Latest Surprise
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sparked fresh discussions with their latest statement, coming shortly after King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne made an unexpected announcement at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared to subtly respond to the royal family’s recent move as they hosted a charity event and confirmed the reopening of the Royal Collection Trust at St James’s Palace.
Adding to the intrigue, the couple made their statement just days before a major event in California, set to take place this weekend.
In alignment with the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 22, Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation, which they established in 2020 after stepping away from royal duties, issued a statement highlighting their ongoing commitment to digital civil rights.
"Each year, the NAACP awards one individual with the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award. This award celebrates leaders who are advancing civil rights in digital spaces and leading the way to build a better online world."
This year’s recipient is Dr. Alondra Nelson, recognized for her outstanding contributions to AI policy and civil rights advocacy.
Dr. Alondra Nelson is a leading sociologist specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on social inequality. Currently serving as the Harold F. Linder Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, she has dedicated her career to researching how science, technology, and medicine intersect with societal issues.
According to Archewell’s statement:
"Her research has exposed critical flaws in AI, particularly in areas such as election misinformation and harmful biases. She has used her findings to advocate for stronger safeguards and stricter regulations in AI governance."
Dr. Nelson previously served as the Director of The White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, where she played a key role in developing the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights—a landmark framework ensuring that AI policies align with civil rights protections. In 2023, she was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, further shaping global AI policies.
Award & Recognition
As part of this recognition, Dr. Nelson will receive a $100,000 grant to continue her groundbreaking work. She now joins past winners of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, including:
- Dr. Safiya Noble (2022)
- Nabiha Syed (2023)
- Dr. Joy Buolamwini (2024)
NAACP Image Awards & Meghan and Harry’s Role
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will take place on February 22, broadcasting live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium—just a short drive from Meghan and Harry’s Montecito home. This year’s event will also honor Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award.
With this latest announcement, the Sussexes continue to align themselves with causes centered on social justice, digital rights, and AI ethics, further solidifying their post-royal legacy.
