Prince Harry and Meghan Markle expressed their support for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal to ban social media for children under 16. This move highlights their ongoing campaign against the harms of social media which began in 2020. Previously, they welcomed similar legislation in Australia.
UK Social Media Policy
The UK government plans to implement a ban preventing children under 16 from using major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will remain unaffected. The new regulations are set to be enforced in spring 2027. For teenagers aged 16 and 17, features like live streaming and stranger communication in gaming will be off by default.
Harry and Meghan do not have personal social media accounts, aside from Meghan’s Instagram. They released a statement supporting the UK’s decision: “We welcome the UK Government’s announcement of new measures to better protect children online.” They emphasized the need for companies to take responsibility, stating, “The burden cannot rest solely on parents and children.” They called for safer platform designs and meaningful accountability.
US Opposition to UK Ban
The UK’s move has not been well-received by the US government. The US Embassy in London described such bans as “broad” and warned they could undermine free expression. Instead, they encouraged empowering parents with tools to manage their children’s online activities. This view contrasts Harry and Meghan’s perspective.
Concerns over tech regulation extend beyond this issue, reflecting wider diplomatic tensions. Under President Donald Trump, the US viewed technology firms as national assets. Trump opposed Britain’s Digital Services Tax which targets American companies. He also cautioned against economic retaliation in the form of tariffs if the tax persisted.
Harry and Meghan’s Consistent Stance
Harry and Meghan previously supported Australia’s decision to implement similar social media restrictions. Their foundation, Archewell Philanthropies, commended the Australian government for taking decisive action to protect young people. They stressed the importance of platforms being safe by design and urged a tech industry course correction.
Harry’s Shifting Perspectives
Recent comments from Prince Harry indicate a shift from praising US life to embracing his British identity. Earlier in 2024, he had positive remarks about his life in the US. Recently, he criticized Trump’s foreign policy and emphasized UK’s role in global defense matters. In a November 2025 essay, Harry expressed pride in his British heritage, stating, “Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for.”
Harry and Meghan’s latest statement aligns with their broader advocacy against social media harms. However, it also reflects Harry’s growing attention to UK-centric issues amid changing diplomatic dynamics between the US and the UK.