Harry delivers solo speech to EU parliament after Meghan pulls out

Prince Harry has delivered a keynote address to the European parliament on online child safety, a day after his wife, Meghan, pulled out of what should have been a joint speech.

The Duchess of Sussex pulled out of the planned speech because she does not feel emotionally strong enough for public speaking after her father's arrest, Sky News understands.

But she nonetheless accompanied her husband to the event in Brussels, where she sat in the audience as he addressed the EU parliament.

It comes after Thomas Markle Sr, 82, appeared in court on Friday charged with possession of child abuse material.

In his speech on Tuesday, the Duke of Sussex said children "deserve to feel safe wherever they are".

Harry said he and the Duchess of Sussex were supporting parents who had lost children to online harm.

"I'm not here as an expert or a politician. I'm here as a father. My wife, as a mother," he said.

"And together, as a couple who stand alongside parents like Sandra, Megan and Sewell - in New York, Los Angeles, Geneva and now Brussels.

"Parents who never imagined they would have a reason to be in rooms like this."

He added: "All children should be able to go online and discover something wonderful. A friend. An interest that becomes a passion. A place where they feel understood.

"They deserve to feel safe wherever they are. In a classroom. On a playground. At any time, no matter where they are."

The event marked the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, a travelling art installation remembering children who died after being subjected to harm online.

On Friday, Thomas Markle Sr was pictured in handcuffs in a wheelchair as FBI agents escorted him from a Florida retirement home.

He was transported by ambulance for a short court hearing in Tampa and charged with one count of "possession of child pornography".

According to US Attorney Bill Essayli, agents had seized around 78 items, including "slides, film negatives and books" in two Los Angeles storage units allegedly rented by Mr Markle.

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The items found are alleged to include "sexually explicit photographs of himself with prepubescent girls".

Mr Essayli said: "These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr Markle to the fullest extent of federal law."

Mr Markle did not enter a plea at Friday's hearing.

He was then released back to a senior care facility with an electronic tag so that his location can be monitored.

(c) Sky News 2026: Harry delivers solo speech to EU parliament after Meghan pulls out