The Duchess of Sussex was in Geneva, Switzerland to speak at The Lost Screen Memorial about protecting children from social media harm, but only a small crowd appeared to have turned up
Meghan Markle was branded “poor thing” after reportedly delivering a heartfelt address to a small audience. She delivered the speech in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday (May 17) regarding the urgent need to safeguard children online.
The Duchess of Sussex unveiled The Lost Screen Memorial at Geneva’s Place des Nations, which comprises 50 illuminated lightboxes. Each one showcases the lock screen image of a youngster who perished following online violence and digital harm.
Organised by Archewell Philanthropies and the World Health Organisation, Meghan was joined by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, global health leaders, ministers and families impacted by online harm.
The display was initially revealed in New York City last April as part of the No Child Lost to Social Media campaign, and it will remain in Geneva until Friday, May 22, during World Health Assembly week.
Meghan said in her address: “Behind me stands The Lost Screen Memorial. Not statistics. Not avatars. Not data points.
“Children. Each name belonged to a child who was loved beyond measure.
“A child whose laughter once filled a kitchen. Whose shoes once waited by a front door.
“Whose future once felt limitless.” Despite the address being powerful, it seemed that only a handful of people had gathered to hear her speak, reports the Express.
A small number of people in the audience were photographed. One social media user on X described Meghan as “poor thing” due to the sparse attendance. Another person wrote: “Can you imagine flying all the way to Switzerland, and that is the size of the crowd.”
Someone else wrote: “They look more like passers by.” While a massive crowd may not have assembled to hear the address, Meghan’s words were incredibly significant.
Both Meghan and her husband Prince Harry, who was absent from the event, feel deeply passionate about safeguarding children from the dangers of social media.
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