Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived holding hands at an elegant event in New York where they are set to be honored for their philanthropic efforts.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being celebrated as humanitarians of the year at the Project Health Minds mental health gala held at the chic Spring Studios location.

The prince is described on the non-profit’s website as ‘a humanitarian, mental health champion, environmental advocate, and former military veteran’.

As well as listing Harry’s work with mental health companies, it also mentions his controversial 2021 memoir Spare as being among his achievements. 

Meghan is highlighted as ‘a mother, wife, businesswoman, and philanthropist,’ emphasizing ‘her ongoing dedication to supporting women and girls, which she consistently incorporates into her charitable and business projects’.

The ‘festive cocktail’ attire-themed ceremony is being hosted by Emmy award-winning Today show host Carson Daly. 

This event follows shortly after Harry’s brother, Prince William, appeared alongside King Charles, presenting a united front as they participated in a rare joint public event.

The king and the Prince of Wales traveled together in the State Bentley from Buckingham Palace to the Natural History Museum in London, having gathered there earlier.

They were at the west London museum for ‘Countdown to COP30′, which brings together organisations and individuals tackling the global environmental crisis and nature loss issues ahead of the United Nations’ annual climate change summit in Brazil in November. 

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan arrived in the Big Apple on Wednesday where they are staying for three days to coincide with World Mental Health Day. 

But the royal couple’s award comes amid a critical letter being issued by the government of Chad targeting a charity with which the Duke is closely linked. 

The country’s environment minister, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, has accused African Parks – which counts Harry among its board members – of financial misconduct and ‘disrespect’.

In a damning four-page letter, Mr Djamous said African Parks had demonstrated ‘a recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude’ towards his government.

The charity, of which Harry was president for six years before he joining its board in 2023, looks after more than 20 protected national parks and reserves in 13 countries on behalf of their governments.

Its backers include famous billionaire investors Warren Buffet and Bill Ackman, and it has counted the EU, WWF and People’s Postcode Lottery among its supporters. 

But Mr Djamous has accused it of illegally collecting tourist revenues, using tax-sheltering bank accounts in the Isle of Man and transferring assets abroad in ‘flagrant violation’ of Chad’s banking laws.

The duke, 41, last night was at the Movember Institute for Men’s Health for a sit-down conversation. 

He spoke of how too many men were being raised by algorithms, and how his mental health advocacy was sparked by speaking with veterans after he had finished serving in the British Army. 

‘I found myself speaking to many veterans and sitting down with them I realised the silence is killing people,’ he said, adding, ‘Stamping out the stigma globally, we’ve come a long way. Access to therapy is still a massive problem.’ 

In a joint statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: ‘Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. 

‘As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honored to support them.

‘We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.’