Prince Harry Fights Back Tears Addressing Parents Who Lost Children to Social Media

The Duke of Sussex spoke from the heart during the unannounced appearance in Los Angeles

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Prince Harry got emotional as he addressed parents who lost children to online harms during an unannounced appearance in Los Angeles. The Duke of Sussex, 41, spoke to grieving families who have lodged a legal challenge against Instagram and YouTube, as a major trial begins to investigate whether the platforms hurt young people's mental health. Harry appeared to fight back tears as he told the families, "None of you should be here," and referenced his own emotional experiences in courtrooms.

Why it matters

This case has the potential to shape "thousands of other pending lawsuits, transforming the legal landscape for some of the world's most powerful companies." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made advocating for a safer online world a key focus of their philanthropic work, and they recognize the significance of this pivotal moment.

The details

Prince Harry joined British families who traveled to California to support the start of the case. Opening statements began this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court as Meta-backed Instagram and YouTube, owned by Google, respond to claims that their sites deliberately addict and harm children. Fellow social platforms TikTok and Snap were originally named in the lawsuit but settled for undisclosed sums.

  • On Feb. 11, the Duke of Sussex, 41, spoke to grieving families in Los Angeles.
  • Opening statements in the case began this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
  • Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified on Feb. 11, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify next week.

The players

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex, 41, who spoke to grieving families in Los Angeles and referenced his own emotional experiences in courtrooms.

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, who was reportedly with Prince Harry during the unannounced appearance in Los Angeles.

Meta

The parent company of Instagram, which is responding to claims that its site deliberately addicts and harms children.

Google

The parent company of YouTube, which is responding to claims that its site deliberately addicts and harms children.

TikTok

A social media platform that was originally named in the lawsuit but settled for an undisclosed sum.

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What they’re saying

“None of you should be here.”

— Prince Harry (BBC Breakfast)

“We've said time and time again that this is a David versus Goliath situation. I've been in some similar situations myself, vastly different, but when you're sitting [in court] and if you have that feeling of just overwhelming emotion, because you can't believe that the people on the other side are saying what they're saying, that by the very nature of defending what they're defending, the lies that they are stating, is devaluing life, is devaluing your children's lives, if that brings stuff up for you, it is totally normal.”

— Prince Harry (BBC Breakfast)

“Do not feel ashamed, do not feel concerned, even if the judge, as I heard, turned around and asked you not to show emotion. As I said, none of you should be here. Sorry.”

— Prince Harry (BBC Breakfast)

“Thank you for doing everything that you've done. Thank you for telling your stories over and over again. Truth, justice and accountability — those are the three things that will come from this.”

— Prince Harry (BBC Breakfast)

What’s next

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify next week in the ongoing trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns about the impact of social media platforms on young people's mental health, and the legal battle to hold these powerful companies accountable. Prince Harry's emotional appearance underscores the personal toll these issues have taken on families, and the importance of advocating for a safer online environment.