Sussexes Share Fresh Vision for 2026 as They Mark Five Years of NAACP Partnership
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have marked an important moment in their charitable journey, using it to spotlight a cause they say is more urgent than ever.
Representing their organisation, Archewell Philanthropies, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared in a pre-recorded video at the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. The couple celebrated the fifth anniversary of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, a partnership they say continues to grow in relevance.
Harry opened the message with a clear statement about the changing landscape of civil rights. He said the fight for equality does not stop in the physical world and argued that the digital space is now central to that battle.
Meghan reflected on the award’s origins and what it stands for today. She said they are proud of their collaboration with the NAACP and stressed that civil rights protections must evolve just as quickly as the technology that can undermine them.
This year’s award went to Dr Mary Anne Franks, recognised for her work as a legal scholar and as the author of Fearless Speech. Praising her efforts, Harry questioned the idea of free speech in the modern era, asking who truly benefits when powerful individuals and major platforms claim to defend it.
The Duke and Duchess congratulated Dr Franks and said they were honoured to present the award once again.
The message was delivered on behalf of Archewell Philanthropies, the charitable arm formerly known as the Archewell Foundation. The rebrand was announced as part of what their spokesperson described as a new chapter. After five years, the organisation expanded under the new name to reflect broader ambitions.
According to the spokesperson, the updated structure allows Harry and Meghan to continue their global charitable work as a family, building on existing partnerships and values while aiming for greater impact in the years ahead.
With this milestone, the couple signalled that their focus on digital civil rights will remain central to their mission as they look toward 2026 and beyond.
