New York, NY — June 27, 2025 — Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the 2025 NEXUS Global Summit in New York City, offering a powerful message on the value of service and empathy in leadership. Addressing a room filled with over 350 young philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and global changemakers, the Duke of Sussex shared personal insights during a fireside chat titled “Building Tomorrow: A Conversation on Service, Impact & Collective Action.”
The conversation, moderated by NEXUS co-founder and CEO Rachel Gerrol, provided a candid look into Prince Harry’s journey from traditional royal duties to a more purpose-driven path rooted in advocacy and humanitarian work. He urged the audience to lead with intention, emphasizing the significance of aligning personal values with societal impact.
“Everything we want to do here starts with a team game,” Prince Harry remarked, underscoring the necessity of collaboration in addressing complex global issues. His comments highlighted the role of shared responsibility in fostering sustainable and systemic change—an approach he has championed through his philanthropic work.
At the heart of the discussion was the Archewell Foundation, co-founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2020. The foundation, whose mission is to “uplift and unite communities through acts of compassion,” has focused its efforts on key areas such as mental health, digital well-being, and community support. Its projects have included partnerships with mental health organizations, campaigns for responsible technology use, and grants for grassroots resilience initiatives.
“We believe in showing up and doing good,” Prince Harry said, speaking to the foundation’s broader vision. “We’re committed to listening, learning, and engaging in ways that build stronger communities and a healthier future for all.”
The NEXUS Global Summit, held June 26–28 at the United Nations and other key venues in New York City, brought together a diverse network of next-generation leaders from more than 70 countries. This year’s theme, “Brave Leadership in a Time of Global Challenge,” reflected the urgency of bold, values-led action across sectors. Discussions focused on urgent topics such as the climate crisis, artificial intelligence, mental health, and social equity.
Other featured speakers included model and maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns, and tech innovators leading breakthroughs in AI ethics and environmental sustainability. Sessions were designed to foster dialogue, spark collaborations, and equip attendees with tools to amplify their impact.
Prince Harry’s unexpected presence added a layer of inspiration, particularly for those looking to lead with empathy in often turbulent social and political landscapes. His message resonated deeply with the summit’s core audience—individuals striving to merge personal purpose with public good.
The appearance also comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of former royals in the public sphere. Since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has been increasingly vocal on issues such as media accountability, veteran support, and mental health awareness. His participation in forums like NEXUS signals a continued shift toward advocacy through platforms that prioritize community-driven solutions.
In closing, Prince Harry reminded the audience that leadership is not reserved for the few, but rather a responsibility shared by all who seek to make a difference. “It’s about showing up, every day, with intention and heart,” he said. “And it’s about doing the work—not just for now, but for the generations to come.”
