Prince Harry echoes Meghan as he praises young people for 'surviving and thriving'
Prince Harry has echoed his wife’s words in a video message to young people - as he praised them for “surviving” and “thriving”.
Meghan Markle used the words during an interview for a documentary about their time in South Africa on royal tour which seemed to lead to their decision to step back from their senior royal roles.
Talking about the scrutiny of her life, a tearful Meghan, 38, told interviewer Tom Bradby: “It’s not enough to just survive something. You’ve got to thrive.”
Her husband Harry, 35, drew on the sentiment as he sent a video message to OnSide Youth Zones, a UK charity which he worked with as a senior royal.
Harry hosted the OnSide Youth Zones awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall last November, and on Sunday afternoon the charity streamed the event again for all to relive.
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The duke sent a new video message to prefix the stream, and said: “As I said to you on that night and I repeat it again, hats off to every single one of you for surviving but also for thriving.
“These stories and these daily challenges that you guys are coming up against are unbelievable and so many people will never understand, but you guys have the strength to pull through.
“I can only imagine the last six weeks has made it even more challenging, this too shall pass.
“Before you know it you will be back together again.”
The message was one of a number of video appearances Harry and Meghan have been making since they moved to Los Angeles to start the next chapter of their lives.
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While they have not yet been able to launch the non-profit organisation they have planned, they have kept in touch with a number of charities who they worked with while senior royals.
The couple kept their patronages but no longer represent the Queen in any duties carried out with them.
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OnSide has had to close Youth Zones in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but the charity is continuing to support the centre users in online and one-to-one support.
Kathryn Morley, Chief Executive of OnSide Youth Zones, said: “It’s wonderful that the Duke of Sussex wanted to deliver this special message ahead of our live stream.
“Their continuous support and belief in young people is incredible. We were delighted to welcome the Duke to the OnSide Awards where he made a moving speech and met many of those who have benefitted from their Youth Zone.
“The Duke and Duchess have between them visited three Youth Zones across the UK and are keen supporters of OnSide and our vision of growing our network across the country.”
