The Duchess of Sussex delivered an emotional plea for safer online spaces during a sombre event in Geneva
Meghan Markle made an emotional appearance in Geneva, Switzerland on 17 May as she called for urgent action to protect children from the dangers of online violence and digital harm.
The Duchess of Sussex joined Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to unveil “The Lost Screen Memorial,” a powerful installation honouring children who lost their lives following harmful experiences linked to the online world.
The memorial, displayed in Geneva’s Place des Nations, features 50 illuminated lightboxes showing the lock screens of children whose lives were lost as a result of online violence and digital harm. The installation aims to highlight the devastating consequences unsafe digital environments can have on young people and their families.
For the event, Meghan wore a black trouser suit with her hair styled in an elegant updo. She stood before the memorial and delivered a deeply personal speech urging global leaders, technology companies and communities to rethink online safety standards for children.
Speaking during the unveiling, Meghan stressed that the memorial represented far more than numbers or online profiles.
She described the children as individuals who were “loved beyond measure” and whose futures once appeared limitless before tragedy struck their families.
The Duchess questioned how many more children would continue to suffer if technology platforms failed to implement stronger safeguards. She also warned that innovation without protection could continue placing young people at serious risk.
During her speech, Meghan reflected on the growing dangers linked to online bullying, predatory behaviour and harmful digital content. She argued that even adults struggle to cope with the pressure and toxicity found online, making children even more vulnerable to lasting emotional damage.
The emotional ceremony marked the first time “The Lost Screen Memorial” has been displayed in Geneva. The installation was originally unveiled in New York City in April 2025 and was brought to Switzerland to coincide with World Health Assembly week.
The memorial was created through Archewell Foundation, the charitable organisation founded by Meghan and Prince Harry, alongside The Parents’ Network, a support community made up of bereaved families campaigning for safer online spaces for children and teenagers.
Meghan used the event to issue a direct call for collective action, urging governments, organisations and technology companies to prioritise children’s wellbeing when designing digital platforms.
She challenged audiences to consider whether society would look back on this moment as the point when technology shifted towards safety, dignity and wellbeing, or whether more children’s names would continue being added to memorials like the one standing behind her.
Observers at the event described the atmosphere as deeply sombre, with families and campaigners gathering around the illuminated displays while Meghan addressed the crowd.
The Duchess concluded her remarks by expressing hope future generations would feel proud that action had finally been taken to create a safer online world for children.
“The Lost Screen Memorial” will remain on display in Geneva through 22 May as part of ongoing awareness efforts surrounding online safety and digital wellbeing