KEY POINT
- Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans invited Prince Harry to become the godfather of a proposed international parliamentary coalition for children’s digital rights.
- Harry urged lawmakers to hold technology companies responsible for building stronger protections into their platforms.
- Meghan embraced Sandra Spitaels, whose son Glenn died after an intimate image of him was shared online.
The Duke of Sussex attended the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial in Brussels on November 10, followed by a discussion about protecting children in the digital environment.
During the visit, Belgian Member of the European Parliament Hilde Vautmans asked Harry to become the “godfather” of a proposed global coalition bringing together parliamentarians committed to children’s rights online.
Vautmans indicated that his involvement could help attract international attention and encourage lawmakers to maintain pressure for stronger legislation. The proposed coalition aims to connect political leaders across countries and strengthen efforts to address digital risks facing younger generations.
The invitation represents a potential expansion of Harry’s involvement in online safety advocacy, placing his public profile alongside lawmakers seeking coordinated international action.
Speaking during the parliamentary discussion, Harry argued that responsibility for online safety should rest with the companies developing digital platforms, rather than being left primarily to families after harmful incidents occur.
He called for safeguards to become part of digital products from the design stage. He also supported the proposed EU Kids Act, which outlines measures intended to improve children’s online protection.
The European Commission’s proposal includes restrictions on social media accounts for children under 13, supervised accounts for those aged 13 and 14, age verification and additional safety protections built into digital services.
The proposal has not yet become law and must proceed through the European Union’s legislative process.
Harry also raised concerns about artificial intelligence, warning that emerging technologies create additional challenges for children’s safety. His remarks highlighted the need for policymakers to address these risks through preventive measures.
Alongside the parliamentary discussions, the Lost Screen Memorial provided a platform for families affected by online harm to share their experiences.
The installation displays illuminated portraits of children and young people who died following harmful experiences involving social media. Their families use the memorial to call for greater accountability and stronger protections.
Sandra Spitaels attended the Brussels event to remember her son Glenn, who died after an intimate image of him was circulated online.
Following Sandra’s account of her family’s experience, Meghan embraced her in a gesture of support. The moment brought attention to the personal consequences behind discussions about digital regulation.
The Archewell Foundation initiative has previously been presented in New York and Geneva, giving affected families opportunities to share their stories with wider audiences.
The couple’s appearance also attracted attention outside the European Parliament. Supporters gathered near the building on November 10, hoping to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive.
Journalist Eliza Gkritsi shared footage showing people waiting outside the Parliament. Another video captured attendees inside raising their phones as Harry walked through the building.
The Brussels visit brought together political advocacy and the experiences of families seeking meaningful changes to online safety policies.
While Harry’s proposed role in the international coalition remains an invitation rather than a confirmed appointment, the discussions placed children’s digital protection at the centre of his European engagement.
