Prince Harry Warns of AI Dangers at Clinton Global Initiative, Faces Onstage Glitch
The Duke of Sussex's address on artificial intelligence was interrupted by a technical issue.
Prince Harry returned to the U.S. stage at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York on Wednesday, addressing the dangers of artificial intelligence, particularly for children. The Duke of Sussex's remarks were cut short by a technical malfunction, forcing him offstage for approximately 40 minutes.
Speaking to the assembled leaders, Harry, a father of two, stated, "I come to this as a father... One who has shared countless conversations with other parents as they mourned the loss of their children to recklessly built technology." He expressed concern that AI is evolving rapidly, warning that "AI is learning how to enter our relationships. It doesn’t just want your attention; it wants your attachment. It wants to be the thing you confide in."
This appearance comes weeks after Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, returned to the United Kingdom for an extended stay. The couple had spent six years in the U.S. after stepping back from royal duties. Harry's return to the U.S. stage saw him engage with former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and their daughter Chelsea at the annual gathering.
During his address, Harry described AI as the "ultimate sycophant" and highlighted the speed of technological advancement outpacing protective measures. He presented images of children, referencing "hundreds [who] have become thousands" of parents grieving their children due to the consequences of a digital revolution that progressed faster than societal willingness to ensure their protection.
This cause is not new for the royal. In 2024, he also spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative, cautioning against the power of social media conglomerates. The prince's recent move back to the U.K. with his family places them outside of London, and they will not be returning as working members of the British royal family.
After the technical interruption, Harry returned to the stage with a lighthearted remark: "Hello again. So AI got into my speech, so I was asked to come out and finish it. Interesting to see what it was so concerned about in part two." He reiterated his warning about tech giants aiming to "find you, hook you, exploit you, break and then blame you."