Harry and Meghan express heartbreak over ‘exceptionally fragile’ world

The Sussexes (Victoria Jones/PA)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared their heartbreak over the state of the “exceptionally fragile” world, saying they have been left speechless by the situation in Afghanistan.

Harry, who fought in the country on two frontline tours with the British army, and Meghan also expressed their distress about the earthquake in Haiti and said they were “scared” amid the new Covid variants and continuing global health crisis.

The couple, who quit royal duties for a life in California, urged global leaders to speed up humanitarian talks and asked people to support charities trying to help those in need.

In a joint statement on their Archewell website, Harry and Meghan said: “The world is exceptionally fragile right now.

“As we all feel the many layers of pain due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are left speechless.

Harry serving in Afghanistan (John Stillwell/PA)

“As we all watch the growing humanitarian disaster in Haiti, and the threat of it worsening after last weekend’s earthquake, we are left heartbroken.

“And as we all witness the continuing global health crisis, exacerbated by new variants and constant misinformation, we are left scared.”

Calling on the international community to alleviate suffering, the Sussexes added: “When any person or community suffers, a piece of each of us does so with them, whether we realise it or not.

“And though we are not meant to live in a state of suffering, we, as a people, are being conditioned to accept it. It’s easy to find ourselves feeling powerless, but we can put our values into action – together.

“To start, we encourage you to join us in supporting a number of organisations doing critical work. We also urge those in positions of global influence to rapidly advance the humanitarian dialogues that are expected to take place this fall at multilateral gatherings such as the UN General Assembly and the G20 leaders’ summit.

“As an international community, it is the decisions we make now – to alleviate suffering among those we know and those we may never meet – that will prove our humanity.”

The statement was followed by images of their signatures “Harry & Meghan”.

The couple’s not for profit Archewell organisation said it was supporting the emergency response in Haiti with its partner World Central Kitchen, and highlighted other organisations such as Women for Afghan Women, Afghanaid and Mercy Corps.