Meghan Markle and Prince Harry steal Kate's thunder in shock move on rare joint visit

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a rare joint appearance last night at a glitzy charity ceremony where they were named 'Humanitarians of the Year'.

The Sussexes, co-founders of the Archewell Foundation, received the prestigious award in recognition of their campaigns to make the online world a safer place for families and young people.

Meghan was also commended as 'a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and philanthropist' at the event. Meanwhile, the Duke's work with mental health companies and his controversial tell-all memoir Spare were named among his achievements.

The duchess used her speech on stage in New York to speak about her children Archie and Lilibet, and the dangers of the online landscape. She said: "Our children, Archie and Lili, are just six and four years old. Luckily still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming.

READ MORE: Real reason for Meghan Markle's first visit to Europe in more than two years

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lauded for 'earning' their latest remarks

"Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology's benefits, while safeguarding against its dangers. That hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible."

Harry joined his wife on stage and added: "This is a pivotal moment in our collective mission to protect children and support families in a digital age."

The couple's speech on safeguarding children from digital threats comes just hours after Princess Kate championed the exact same plight in a passionate personal essay, in a move some royal watchers have deemed an awkward snub.

The future queen spoke about the "epidemic of disconnection" in a powerful essay on Friday, warning others about the dangers of screen time and how it can impact a child's development.

The essay sets out two core points: how warm, loving and meaningful relationships are the single greatest investment we can make for health, happiness and longevity, especially in the early years of our lives; and how modern life and technology, rising loneliness and fragmented attention, is undermining our ability to form those connections, putting at risk the social and emotional development of babies and young children.

It also mentions scientific research showing that social and emotional skills formed in the earliest years shape lifelong wellbeing. "We're physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us," Kate writes.

"While new technology has many benefits, we must also acknowledge that it plays a complex and often troubling role in this epidemic of disconnection," she adds. "While digital devices promise to keep us connected, they frequently do the opposite."

The princess' dedication to early years' development has been described as her 'life's work', with Kate championing the cause for years.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Kate's essay: "The publication of the essay reflects The Princess's ongoing dedication to early years, translating science into practical support so every child can thrive."

It comes as sources claimed this week that Meghan's recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week was part of an "Establishment plot" to help "warm up" frosty relations with the Royal Family. A friend of the Sussexes is said to have told the Daily Mail: "This trip is all part of the 'thaw' process."

Speculation grew in the summer about Harry and Meghan's return to The Firm, despite Harry's emotional BBC interview in May during which he said: "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point."

But it is claimed that the picture may have changed for the couple, who are no longer entitled to state security on visits to the UK, and sources believe Meghan's presence at Paris Fashion Week is a sign of this.

The friend added: "Meghan will return to Britain before the year is out," adding jokingly that the former actress will be "bearing humble pie".