Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Release First Statement Following U.K. Return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the U.K., and while they haven’t been photographed since landing in Birmingham, the couple has broken their silence and released a statement.
The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan Duke & Duchess of Sussex, put out a statement following the news that Meta will pay billions in a child-endangerment settlement. Safety for children online is an issue the prince and the former Suits star have gotten behind and spoken about for years.
The lengthy statement read in part: “The historic trial against Meta over claims that its products endanger children has resulted in a settlement in which they will pay up to $17.1 billion. The settlement requires Meta to pay financial penalties for violating federal child privacy and states’ consumer protection laws …
“Alongside the settlement, Meta announced it will be making significant product changes for teens, including restricting platform use between 12 am and 6 am, stopping notifications during school hours, an optional chronological feed (as opposed to one based on algorithmically recommended interest-based content), and banning features that negatively impact mental health like beauty filters. Restricting teens’ time on the platforms, if successfully enforced, would hit the company’s business model, which relies on users spending as much time on the app as possible to see ads and generate data for advertisers …
“Their statement also emphasizes empowering parents with additional controls, which will need to be tested for effectiveness given Meta’s history of placing responsibility for safety solely on parents. The statement fails to apologize or mention the billions it will pay out because of claims brought by the 29-state coalition and the 47 states plus the District of Columbia and territories included in the settlement. Their statement calls on YouTube and TikTok to join them in making similar design changes, and this agreement may also affect similar claims against other social media giants like Snap, YouTube, and TikTok. We hope it quickly sparks change from other tech leaders across the industry.”
A statement that royal watchers had been looking out for upon Meghan and Harry’s return is one from Buckingham Palace. However, King Charles has been silent about his youngest son and daughter-in-law’s move. Some publications have reported that he is “happy to be able to spend more time with family.”
One of Harry’s cousins though has spoken out about the Sussexes’ being back in the U.K. and called it “exciting.”
Speaking at the official launch of her rosé brand Lala V at Knightsbridge drinks retailer Hackstons on Aug. 26, Lady Eliza Spencer — daughter of Diana’s brother Charles Spencer told The Mirror, “Absolutely, it’s exciting! We would love to be able to find some time to visit.”
Lady Eliza added that she and Meghan may even share some winemaking tips.
