Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Skipped the Time100 Gala

Meghan Markle was the keynote speaker at the Time100 Summit on Wednesday, discussing the success of her three projects: her show With Love, Meghan; podcast Confessions of a Female Founder; and business As Ever. Prince Harry was with her at the event, and their joint appearance fueled speculation that the couple could have a red carpet date night at the Time100 Gala on Thursday.

The event came and went, though, without any sign of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However, during her Time100 Summit talk, Meghan hinted at why their trip to New York would be brief. It turns out the couple had a very important milestone they needed to get back to their home in Montecito, California, for: Their 5-year-old son, Archie, losing his first tooth.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arriving at the Time100 Summit in New York City on April 23, 2025

Meghan explained her rationale, saying her business decisions and achievements are “as equally important to me as Archie losing his first tooth this week, which is about to happen, and I just hope I’m back home in time for it.”

“It all matters,” she continued. “And when you look at your life from that perspective, which frankly, being a parent is the most illuminating perspective because what is so, so big somehow becomes microscopic in importance to what’s happening with your children. That’s certainly how I feel. You just make time to do it all, and I think maybe that’s what is the dream.”

Harry and Meghan did make time for one more event in New York though. On Wednesday night, the couple unveiled the #NoChildLostToSocialMedia memorial. Meghan reflected on the unveiling in an Instagram post, writing:

An important and emotional evening last night in NY as we unveiled #NoChildLostToSocialMedia with parents and families who have lost their children to online harms.My husband and I have worked with many of these families for the last several years, and through The Archewell Foundation and our program The Parents’ Network, we support them in their grief and stand with them in their call for action.No matter how divided the world may be, we can all agree that we want our children to be safe from harm. That is a universal truth.If you choose to be on social media, let’s be the example for our youth, sharing goodness and kindness and positivity. Let’s tell our children that they are enough, and that this life is worth living.And let’s ensure that no child is lost to social media.With your support, we can effect change.

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