Prince Harry has once again opened up about the meaning of public service, this time during an appearance at the NEXUS Global Summit in New York — and some of his words are being interpreted as a quiet commentary on the institution he once represented.
Speaking to an audience of over 300 philanthropists and changemakers, the Duke of Sussex discussed the evolution of his mindset: from being born into a life of royal duty, to stepping away and finding purpose on his own terms through voluntary service and activism.
From Obligation to Intention
Reflecting on his shift from formal monarchy roles to co-founding the Archewell Foundation alongside Meghan Markle, Harry emphasized the importance of intention in leadership.
“The grassroots approach is what gives me hope,” he told the crowd. “What drives me is seeing people create solutions at the community level. That’s the kind of service that energizes me.”
His comments resonate strongly with the 2021 public statement Harry and Meghan released after stepping down as senior royals. At the time, they responded to Queen Elizabeth II’s decision that they could no longer carry out royal duties with the now-famous line: “Service is universal.”
Living By Truth — And Standing By It
One particularly personal moment during Harry’s speech came when he recalled early advice from Meghan: “If you live your life by truth, it’s the most efficient way to live.”
He reaffirmed that sentiment, adding: “We will continue to live our life by truth. We will continue to stand up for what we believe in, the difference between right and wrong.”
While Harry didn’t explicitly mention the royal family, observers have noted that his remarks seemed to reinforce a growing distance between his own values and the expectations of his past life.
Echoes of Meghan’s Message
Interestingly, Harry’s emphasis on “truth” came just weeks after Meghan herself spoke about public narratives on the podcast with entrepreneur Emma Grede. When asked if she would change anything about her media image, the Duchess replied, “Yes. I would ask people to tell the truth.”
Together, these remarks suggest a shared frustration with how their story has been told — and a determination to reclaim it.
The Digital World and Lived Experience
Harry also touched on the couple’s advocacy for safer online spaces. He acknowledged that digital safety wasn’t something they originally set out to champion — but real-life challenges, including Meghan’s experience with cyberbullying, made it impossible to ignore.
“In 2018, my wife was the most trolled person in the world,” he said, emphasizing how online hostility shaped their perspective. “We just knew something had to change.”
Harry warned that if the digital world continues to operate without accountability, it threatens to undo social progress across sectors — from mental health to climate action.
Final Takeaway
Prince Harry’s speech was more than a motivational talk — it was a glimpse into how he’s redefining legacy, service, and leadership on his own terms. With measured words and personal reflection, he’s drawing a clear line between inherited responsibility and purposeful action.