Prince Harry and Meghan’s Parents Network Quietly Transitions to New Organization
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have transferred operational control of their Parents Network—a project supporting families who have lost children to online harm—to ParentsTogether, a nonprofit focused on digital safety for children. The transition marks a significant shift for what was once prominently branded as an Archewell Foundation initiative when launched in summer 2024. During its unveiling, Prince Harry gave an emotional CBS News interview highlighting the dangers social media poses to children, stating, “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder.” Now, Archewell has transferred the network’s entire operational structure, including systems, creative assets, and a cash grant to fund its first year of operations under ParentsTogether’s management.
The handover appears to be more comprehensive than initially suggested by the “strategic partnership” announced in October 2023. Perhaps surprisingly to some followers of the Sussexes’ work, ParentsTogether’s public-facing website now contains no mention of Archewell or Harry and Meghan’s founding role in creating the network. This stands in contrast to other initiatives launched by the couple, such as Travalyst and the Invictus Games, where Prince Harry remains prominently involved as patron and is clearly credited online. An Archewell source described the transition as following their “established model where we incubate initiatives before transitioning them to independent, sustainable organizations,” adding that “ParentsTogether has built trusted relationships with many of these families over years and their expertise makes them the ideal permanent home for The Parents Network.”
This shift coincides with broader changes at the Sussexes’ foundation, which has been rebranded as “Archewell Philanthropies” and restructured as a “fiscal sponsor”—essentially becoming an organization that funds other charities rather than running its own programs. The couple hasn’t abandoned their advocacy against online harm entirely, as evidenced by their first appearance of 2026, supporting authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, whose work “The Amazing Generation” addresses digital impacts on mental health. During this event, Harry praised the authors for creating “a parent-led movement, which is astonishing and much needed,” with Meghan adding they were “proud to be a part of” these efforts.
When announcing the partnership with ParentsTogether at the Project Healthy Minds Annual Gala in New York last October, Prince Harry emphasized that “expanding the parents’ movement and supporting them throughout is how real change happens.” At that time, the foundation’s then co-executive directors James Holt and Shauna Nep framed the collaboration as an expansion, noting, “When we launched The Parents’ Network, we were among the few voices calling attention to the devastating impact of social media and emerging technologies on young people. Today, the landscape has transformed dramatically… This connection with ParentsTogether ensures our community has the infrastructure, advocacy power, and resources needed to meet this critical moment in protecting our children.” Notably, Holt has since announced his departure from Archewell.
The impact of the Parents Network has been significant for some members. One parent identified only as Toney praised the initiative in Archewell’s 2023-2024 annual impact report, saying: “What gives us hope is that we can connect with families that don’t judge us. I can call any one of these dads anytime during the day and they’ll stop what they’re doing and they’ll listen… we all came together because of The Archewell Foundation, because of Harry and Meghan. They have given us a support group, a team—people that you can cry with, laugh with, have a drink with, cook with. And all of it is meaningful.” This personal testimony highlights the human connection that has been fostered through the initiative.
As the Parents Network continues under new management, questions remain about Harry and Meghan’s ongoing commitment to this cause. While they’ve stepped back from operational involvement, their recent appearances suggest they remain passionate about addressing online harms affecting children and families. The transition reflects a broader evolution in the couple’s approach to philanthropy, moving from direct program operation to providing support and amplification for established organizations with expertise in specific areas. Time will reveal whether this model proves effective in sustaining the Parents Network’s mission and whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to publicly champion this important work addressing the digital challenges facing today’s families.
