Last night, Prince Harry joined British families in Los Angeles, according to a new video shared by BBC Breakfast. The group which includes parents, who say their children died after using social media, were gathering as a landmark court case began at the California Superior Court in Los Angeles this week, accusing Meta and YouTube of “building their platforms to be addictive, leading to personal injury and other harm,” per the New York Times.
“None of you should be here,” he told the gathered group. “Thank you for doing everything that you’ve done. Thank you for telling your stories over and over again…Truth, justice and accountability. Those are the three things that will come from this.”
The Duke of Sussex also spoke about his own time in court, telling the families, “When you were sitting in court and if you have that feeling of just overwhelming emotion because you can’t believe that the people on the other side are saying what they’re saying, that by the very nature of them defending what they’re defending, the lies that they are stating, is devaluing life, is devaluing your children’s lives, if that brings stuff up for you, it is totally normal. Do not feel ashamed, do not feel concerned. Even if the judge—as I heard—turned round and asked you not to show emotion.”
On Sussex.com, Prince Harry and Meghan’s website, a statement was posted about the importance of protecting children online. “Through their philanthropic efforts in the online harms space spanning six years of dedicated learning, listening, and advocacy, Prince Harry and Meghan, today, recognize the pivotal moment taking place this week as it pertains to families seeking truth, justice and safeguards for children and communities around the world,” the message read. “Families devastated by online harm have waited too long for this moment.”
They added, “The real test now is whether platforms and all new technology companies will design with children’s wellbeing as a first principle – or whether we’ll keep needing governments and courts to force their hand. We invite you to support these brave families and parents who have paid the ultimate cost in losing a child, yet who still stand strong and ready to fight for the rights of other families, championing their efforts as they advocate for the protection of all children online.”
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.