Meghan Markle appeared emotional as she skipped her planned speech at a major event in Brussels, while fans flooded social media with messages of sympathy. It was the Duchess of Sussex's first public appearance since her father, Thomas Markle, was arrested and charged last week.
Hundreds of fans shared their support for Meghan online after reports said she had cancelled her address at the European Parliament gathering. Many said she looked sad as she appeared beside her husband, Prince Harry, at the event.
"She looks sad but her beauty still shines through. We love you, Meghan," one user wrote while sharing her picture.
Many others posted her photos on X and other social media platforms, sending love and sympathy to Prince Harry's wife. Fans said they understood how hard the week must have been for her, coming just days after her father's arrest. Many wrote that they were praying for her and her family, and that she did the right thing by attending the event even though she did not feel able to speak.
The couple appeared at an event in Brussels to discuss child online safety. Harry delivered a speech at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, an art installation that remembers children who died after suffering harm on social media.
The memorial features 50 illuminated phone screens showing lock-screen photos of children who died after online harm. It was created by the Archewell Foundation Parents' Network. The memorial was first shown in New York in April 2025 and in Geneva in May 2026 before coming to Brussels.
Harry and Meghan were met by waiting delegates and a large press pack. Journalists shouted questions, asking Meghan how she was feeling. Both were dressed in black and made no comment.
During the visit, Meghan hugged Glenn De Cooman, a grieving mother who lost her 15-year-old child to suicide in Belgium in 2017 after a naked photo was shared online. A video of the hug was shared by a journalist and quickly spread on social media, with fans praising Meghan's compassion.
Harry spoke alone at the event after Meghan decided not to speak. In his speech, he asked how the world could build such powerful technology yet still struggle to make it safe for a child. He said he was not there as an expert or a politician, but as a father, and his wife as a mother.
He told the audience that children deserve to feel safe wherever they are, in a classroom or on a playground. He added that a child's safety should never depend on which country they call home, and that no family should have to lose a child before the world decides to protect one.
Harry also joined a panel discussion titled "Beyond Promises: Building a Digital Future That Works for Children." He spoke with bereaved parents and experts about how to make the internet safer for young people.
After the speech, Meghan placed her hand on Harry's arm. The couple also met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the host of the event, and they heard testimony from a bereaved mother.The Daily Telegraph reported that Meghan did not feel strong enough to speak at the event. She had said in a statement last month that she was "deeply distressed" at the allegations about her father.
US authorities charged Thomas Markle with possession of child sexual abuse photos last week. The charge relates to material reportedly found in rented storage units in California. He was arrested on November 6 and released on his own recognizance. He denies the allegations.
Meghan was last seen in public on Friday, November 6, before the Brussels appearance. The Brussels trip was the couple's first official joint trip abroad since they returned to live in the UK in August 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Meghan Markle skipped her speech at the Brussels event and appeared emotional.
- Fans flooded social media with sympathy messages for the Duchess.
- Prince Harry delivered the speech alone at the Lost Screen Memorial opening.
- The Telegraph reported Meghan did not feel strong enough to speak.
- Thomas Markle was charged last week; he denies the allegations.
